The One Gift
Each Christmas my daughter, Kate, and I have a discussion as to what I want for Christmas. My response is always, "nothing sweetheart, I have everything I need." I tell her if she is home for Christmas and mom is there that is all I need. Kate’s response usually is, “Get serious Dad”. Then we go back and forth arguing.
This year I want it to be a little different. For my readers out there, if you are a parent, a grandparent or a great grandparent, I want you to give your children a hug and tell them you love them. I have always thought that is the perfect Christmas gift. Do it now, even if it’s over
the phone or letter.
I am a little sensitive this year. As a pastor/chaplain I don’t always get to see the good stuff. I was on duty at Dayton Children's last week and received a page to respond to a Alpha-trauma event in the emergency room. I will not go into the details but the outcome was not good. An
in-home accident took the life of a child. As a chaplain, I was there along with Patient Service, Social Work and Medical Staff. There was nothing we could do other than to be present. The young parent’s grief was deep and inconsolable. All I could offer was my presence. In the midst of her tears, the mother asked me to pray for her daughter. I did.
I have come to believe that there is no perfect gift other than giving yourself. Yes, I know, we have presents under the tree, but that is not the same. I have read somewhere that what children want the most is the attention of a loving parent or grandparent. All else falls away.
So if you are not sure of what to give this year, give of your time and tell your family your love them. Write a letter, hang it on the tree, and read it on Christmas Eve/morning.
Even though we suffer through devastating losses in life, Christ still comes in the morning. He comes for you, He comes for me and He comes for all of mankind. He comes for these young parents to share in the grief, to provide His Holy presence.
Hug/tell your children, grandchildren or those you love. Make Jesus come alive this Christmas season.
God Loves You!
This year I want it to be a little different. For my readers out there, if you are a parent, a grandparent or a great grandparent, I want you to give your children a hug and tell them you love them. I have always thought that is the perfect Christmas gift. Do it now, even if it’s over
the phone or letter.
I am a little sensitive this year. As a pastor/chaplain I don’t always get to see the good stuff. I was on duty at Dayton Children's last week and received a page to respond to a Alpha-trauma event in the emergency room. I will not go into the details but the outcome was not good. An
in-home accident took the life of a child. As a chaplain, I was there along with Patient Service, Social Work and Medical Staff. There was nothing we could do other than to be present. The young parent’s grief was deep and inconsolable. All I could offer was my presence. In the midst of her tears, the mother asked me to pray for her daughter. I did.
I have come to believe that there is no perfect gift other than giving yourself. Yes, I know, we have presents under the tree, but that is not the same. I have read somewhere that what children want the most is the attention of a loving parent or grandparent. All else falls away.
So if you are not sure of what to give this year, give of your time and tell your family your love them. Write a letter, hang it on the tree, and read it on Christmas Eve/morning.
Even though we suffer through devastating losses in life, Christ still comes in the morning. He comes for you, He comes for me and He comes for all of mankind. He comes for these young parents to share in the grief, to provide His Holy presence.
Hug/tell your children, grandchildren or those you love. Make Jesus come alive this Christmas season.
God Loves You!
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