Giving or receiving???

I frequently read (aka stalk) a blog by a very entertaining young mom named Darby. You can find a link to her blog in the right hand column "Fly Through Our Window". I discovered her blog while visiting another friend's family blog. I've discovered Darby and I have mutual friends, are close in age, both love to sew/monogram/applique and both attended Auburn. Therefore, I consider her a close personal blog friend...however, I'm pretty sure we have a one sided relationship in that I stalk her blog, but I'm sure my blog is not a blip on her blogging radar.

Anyway, I share all this with you because she briefly brought up a point on one of her last posts that made me think she felt a little guilty about gift giving this time of year. I agree that we need to "Remember the reason for the season"...but I think gift giving is a big part of that...here's why...a few weeks ago my mom gave Ruth Ann this book...



It's written in a very sing-songy way and is a pretty fun read that holds Ruth Ann's attention. It talks about all the fun things about Christmas while questioning what Christmas is really all about. Then it hits home with this message...



I LOVE how children's books always seem to say things in a way that even an adult's soul is moved...I think gift giving at Christmas time is all about reminding us of the greatest gift we ever received. I love to see someone open a gift I picked out just for them...I love the reaction and I love when I get to see them enjoy the gift. I think God gets even more excited when a new believer opens His gift for the first time by opening their heart to Jesus. This is the lesson I hope Ruth Ann learns about Christmas...yes, it is better to give than to receive, but I also want her to understand that we give gifts as a way to remember the very best gift you can ever receive. I think as long as you have giving in mind at Christmas, you're heart is definitely in the right place.