The Perfect Gift

By: Donna Martin

It’s been a hectic time at the Martin nest.  Our work schedule has been so overloaded that Christmas has actually been put on the back burner.  The decorations are minimal, we are probably going out to dinner for our immediate family gathering (something that is against all my former traditions), and my list of things to bring for the extended family gathering requires little cooking.  None of the gifts are wrapped and only half of the shopping is complete.  And even the shopping that has been done has been mostly online or gathered by my daughter-in-law, so I have spent relatively little time at the mall.

You may think some of these things sound great, but I am an old fashioned girl who likes to cook, shop, wrap and get excited about Christmas.  Our Christmas celebration may only just be one day this year, and that day will not even be on Christmas!

As I was battling all of the Christmas emotions in my mind, a thought came to me.  Christmas IS only one day.  But God’s gift of Jesus (which is what Christmas is really about) is with us every day and throughout all eternity.  Jesus came to give us peace, love, and hope.  That is something that we can celebrate any day and every day.  So maybe I will just make fudge and cinnamon rolls in July when things are not so hectic and enjoy the special time we have with our family and friends, instead of worrying about the perfect Christmas event and the perfect Christmas gift because I really can’t give anything more perfect than the gift God gave to us - Jesus. 

So this I pray for you and me.  Dear God, let us be Jesus to our family, friends, and the grumpy drivers who honk at us.  Help us to remember that you gave us the perfect gift when you sent Jesus.  Give us the opportunity to share that gift with others during this busy season of the year.

The Martins currently present “Happy Together” Marriage Enrichment Events for churches and organizations.  To schedule an event call Michael at 940-735-1515.  They are certified “Prepare/Enrich” Facilitators and are available to work with couples on an individual basis using the “Prepare/Enrich Assessment.”  They publish a weekly “Happy Together” Blog about family and marriage issues.  You can order copies of their new books Dancing With Death and 366 Tidbits We Have Learned in 14,610 Days of Marriage, read and subscribe to their “Happy Together” Blog by logging onto the Martin’s website at www.happytogethermarriage.com.