Wow, it’s getting so close to Christmas; I don’t know about you but this is the time of year where I really have to make a determined effort to keep my eyes on Christ, with being surrounded by so much commercialism and materialism. I don’t want to get caught up in the chaos and come out on the other side of Christmas exhausted and glad that it’s over for another year wondering where the money is going to come from to pay for over extravagance.

So, how do I do this? For one, I stay away as much as possible from the mall and simplify my shopping with gift cards, not going overboard and trying to get it done ahead of time. I slow down my life as much as I am able and spend my time with family, doing Christmas baking and listening to Christmas music….perhaps going to a Christmas play or VanDusen Gardens which is lit up beautifully for Christmas. I’ve learned not to try and see everybody between Christmas and New Year’s because there are 365 days in the year that I can get together with them. I look at my Christmas to-do list to see if there is anything I’m doing just because, that has just become a burden rather than a joy.

As a family we open up our home to those who perhaps can’t afford a Christmas dinner or are alone and share the love of Christ with them. One of the blessings I have, as being part of CCR, is to be able to bless those who are less fortunate with gift cards and see the relief this brings to someone financially strapped and wondering how they are going to make it, especially if there are kids involved. I love this time of year, and I especially love it when I can take the time to reflect why Christ came as a baby in a manger……for me, to save me from my sins and give me eternal life!