Matthew 2:11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
When my children were little we told them that Jesus provided for us and that’s where their Christmas gifts came from. We let them open their gifts on Christmas morning and it was always so much fun. But when our children were in their teens we started a new family tradition. Instead of opening the gifts on Christmas morning…we opened them on Christmas Eve so that Christmas day would be about Jesus birthday celebration.
We would all gather around the tree and their father would give a mini sermon (he is a minister) on Christmas…then we would pray and then present each other with gifts, laugh and have such a great time.
Christmas day was all about celebrating Jesus birthday with a big dinner and a birthday cake. We sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and thanked God for sending His son. Now that my 6 children are grown…I have to say I miss that family tradition…but oh the memories!
I know the Magi brought gifts to Jesus and I don’t know how the gift giving on Christmas got started…but I do enjoy it and I do keep the whole Christmas celebration in moderation. I also always keep the reason for the season before me and my family.
Last Sunday I sang a solo in church and these are the words to the song:
Happy Birthday Jesus
Happy Birthday Jesus
I’m So Glad Its Christmas
all The Tinsel and Lights
and The Presents Are Nice
but The Real Gift Is You.
Happy Birthday Jesus
I’m So Glad Its Christmas
all The Carols And Bells
make The Holiday Swell
and it’s All About You
happy Birthday Jesus
Jesus I Love You!
The cutest girl singing this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=claKP84h9EE
Message for today: Giving gifts is a good thing…Celebrating Jesus birth is a better thing. The old saying that Jesus is the reason for the season will always be my Christmas motto…what about you?
Jesus is the reason for the season
God Speaks I Listen 
Dec 27, 2015 @ 08:50:33
Im asking for your help in prayers for the fast recovery from sickness of my highschool teacher Maam Wilma. She’s been diagnosed with CA.
God will heal her through His great miracle for His great glory. Jesus will strenghten her.
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Dec 27, 2015 @ 13:17:24
Father God…please heal Maam Wilma. Thank you for a friend like Aura Maye who would take the time to ask for prayer for a friend. Please bless Aura also. In Jesus name amen.
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Dec 24, 2015 @ 07:05:41
Reblogged this on God Speaks I Listen.
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Dec 18, 2011 @ 22:40:05
I really like your post very much. My wife and I let our 2 boys open their Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve, and we take photos as well. And yes, Christmas is to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Dec 19, 2011 @ 08:09:04
So glad we share traditions. God bless you and thanks for stopping by. Have a very Merry Christmas with your wonderful family!
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Dec 18, 2011 @ 12:05:25
I love that idea about opening presents Christmas Eve and then having a birthday party for Jesus on Christmas Day! You have created beautiful memories for your children. And isn’t that a big part of being a parent? Making good memories for our kids? Not sure I have a motto for Christmas but I love giving gifts and being with my family. Merry Christmas and God Bless you. Great post
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Dec 19, 2011 @ 08:14:46
I love giving gift too…but I hate shopping tough. This year it’s ganna be on line gift cards. Have a very Happy day on Christmas with your precious family. God bless ya’
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Dec 18, 2011 @ 12:02:32
Lovely tradition, Tanya. Your kids are blessed to have grown up in a God-fearing, God-honoring home! I think it’s wonderful when gift-giving is a natural outgrowth of our feelings of gratitude to the One who provided us with so many gifts first!
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Dec 19, 2011 @ 08:24:42
The best gift I’ve EVER given my children was the gift of knowing JESUS! It was the best time of my life ….training them up. My kids went to christian school for years…was in Missionetts and royal rangers, childrens church, Sunday school, did our helps ministry with us, choir, Vbs, etc…..
My husband and I also made sure that we let them see God in our lives at home and that our faith wasn’t for show. We walked the walk. I feel my best evangelism was with my kids first.
Thanks for the comments Deb.
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