Authentic Christmas

My wife and I were on our date day earlier this week and got onto the conversation of our best and worst Christmases as kids. I couldn't think of a best, but my worst was easy. To make a long story short...I asked for a WEIGHT SET and received a CHESS SET. Now I ask you, how was I supposed to become an ATHLETIC BEAST with a CHESS SET??? What's the point of a Christmas list if you are not even going to pay it any attention??? Ok, I'm done with my rant, but clearly not over the chess set incident:) The point is that 30 years later I've come a long way with my understanding of the true meaning of Christmas. My greatest joy now at this time of year is giving not getting. Maybe contrary to most parents my greatest joy is NOT giving to my own kids. They are abundantly blessed year round and have a great home. They lack for nothing. Because of that, my great joy is buying gifts for those in need whom I've ever met. Like many in Real Life Family Center, the Huntsman family purchased meals and toys for local under resourced families.  I am very proud to be part of a church that this Christmas year has given toys, meals, stockings and other gifts to over 340 families. I LOVE THAT!!! I truly believe that giving makes us more like God. His character is that of a giver - The Ultimate Giver. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and fully embrace the unbelievable generosity of history's greatest Giver. Then...pass it on.

Making History - Living HIS STORY.

Maybe it's a by-product of getting older, but I am finding myself more and more aware of the flow of history. This last Sunday was Pearl Harbor day and I have caught myself thinking of how terrible it must have been to be there. I then thought about our nation's response following the attack. It was during that time that my mom was a little girl. She used to tell me about the rationing of certain goods and materials so the military could have what it needed to win in Europe and the Pacific theaters of war. During this time "Rosie the riveter" was born and the nation pulled together to help us win WWII. Two thoughts dominate my mind...First, I am INCREDIBLY blessed by the sacrifice of countless men and women who have gone before me. Secondly, I then have a responsibility to those around me and coming behind me. This is not just a good thing, it is a GOD thing!   I am reminded that I'm not just a PART of history I am supposed to help MAKE it!  I'm not just a participant in history, as a Christ follower, I am to be an active part in HIS STORY.