Christmas Cards?

This was the first Christmas card.  To read the story go to www.victoriana.com/christmas/card1st-99.htm

So, lately I have been questioning the purpose of a lot of things.  I think we do things because other people do it, or because we have always done it, or because we just like to do it.  We also don't want to offend people so we just go along with the status quo.  Is that really how life should be lived?  SO much has been on our hearts this year.  We are seeing that life can be simplified, and God can be given the glory. 

One of those things I question the purpose of is Christmas Cards.  Some of you are thinking that it is kind, and you send them to show your friendship.  If we are honest, I think we do it because we feel like we have to.  That's not the way it should be.   I used to put a lot of time and effort into making my own cards, but looking back it was selfish.  I wanted others to think my card was so great, and it really glorified myself.  I love being crafty, but it was more than anything a waste of money.  I am realizing a lot of crafty projects are a waste of money, if the end result does not serve a purpose.  Sorry Pinterest addicts.  Let's face it, our money could go to something more, something greater. 

Being a mom of four, I really don't have time to sign our family name on a pretty card that is going to be thrown away, unless you are the crafty type who uses old Christmas cards.  Most all of the cards we receive just have a signature, and some are even pre-printed.  The photo cards, that I have even sent in the past, are just a way to show off our children, who by the way, are not perfect.  I can understand sending photos to relatives who live far away and who don't have facebook to see photos, but most people have facebook and already know what my children look like.

Now, if I did send out cards this year, I would definitely put time and effort into writing personalized notes in them.  That can be very encouraging, and there is purpose in that.  I am going to brag on my brother here.  Seth sent me the sweetest birthday card, that pretty much made me cry.  He personalized it.  The snoopy on the front was cute, but the most important part was his message.  I think that should be the purpose of cards.  

So, we are not sending out cards this year.  Sorry Dad, we are not supporting the USPS.  The money we would have spent has already went towards the World Vision gifts we bought for those in need and also to Lottie Moon.  Our friends already know we care about them and love them.  I hope I don't have to send out a card for them to know that.

Our Christmas has been extremely simple and stress free this year.  We do not have to go buy gifts.  When I go out to Walmart and see all the stuff I could be buying, I think about Christ, because I don't have to think about what gift I am going to buy for someone who doesn't need it anyway.  We are
not sending out Christmas cards.  No, we are not the Grinch family.  I'm sure many think we are crazy, or we are not showing love.  Think what you want.  We are just trying to bring purpose to Christmas, and not just talk about doing it.  It's not about tradition, it's not about stuff, it's not about us.  It's all about Him.

Love Under the Tree- A Radical Christmas

My husband has never been fond of Santa.  This has been an issue since we've been married.  He did not want to celebrate Santa with our kids.  This was hard for me.  I grew up waiting for Santa on Christmas Eve, and I just thought it was so much fun!  Well, it's been ten years, and I think I'm finally convinced.  The fun may have just been plain selfishness.  I think I gave too much time and energy to Santa and Rudolph.  I know many who are reading this are already yelling at me, but just keep reading.

Tom came to me about a month ago and told me that we should not do any gifts this year, even for the kids.  He handed me the World Vision gift catalog, and told me we should use our money to help others.  Okay, I'm not going to lie, at first I thought my kids would be totally devastated.  I felt bad for our kids.  I thought of them having to hear what everyone else got from Santa, and then they would have to say that Santa didn't come to their house.  Sad right??  What was sad was my way of thinking.  Really? Our kids need more toys? Our kids need stuff to satisfy?  What was I thinking?  Oh, that's right, I was thinking along the lines of the rest of our country, not about the Gospel.

I thought about all the Christmas presents Santa brought me when I was a kid.  At least I tried to.  I could not remember much about what I got.  I can remember being greatly upset when I did not get what I wanted.  I also tried to remember when I believed in Santa, and I can only remember when I figured Santa out.   I remembered that I enjoyed being with family the most.  My parents didn't have to get me the best gifts.  I know they spent way too much on us at Christmas.  I just loved being together.

We just finished reading Radical, by David Platt, in our growth group.  A great book, that will challenge you in many ways.  Well, I guess you could say we are going to have a radical Christmas.  We are going to turn our house upside down, and only put love under the tree.  We do have a tree up, and stockings hung.  We even have a train under our tree.  We just want our kids to see the needs of others, and learn from a young age that not everything is about them.  Hopefully, they will look back and learn something from Christmas.

So, we sat down as a family and talked about the gifts in the World Vision Catalog.  Tom and I told them that we were not getting presents for them or for other family members.  We picked out the gifts we wanted to give, and which family member the gift was in honor of.  This was a little confusing for Harry and Silas.  At first, I think they thought we were going to give rabbits and chickens to Grandma and Grandpa!  So, we made our list, and here it is.  We are giving seeds, chickens, rabbits, ducks, a goat, and a sheep.  All of these gifts will help provide food and/or clothes for someone.  They will help children and families in poverty. 

So, if anyone asks my kids what they want Santa to bring them, be prepared.  They are going to say that Santa is not coming to our house.  They will probably say a duck or a chicken.  Please don't feel sorry for my kids.  Please don't judge us.  If anything, I hope this moves others to think of those less fortunate.  Do we really need the latest iphone or ipad?  Do we really need to see our kids eyes light up?  Really?  Doesn't that just feed our own ego? Are our kids going to be better off because they have stuff or nice clothes?  Isn't the heart really the issue?  Christ should suffice.  (Do we really need that kitchenaid mixer?  Believe me, I have already thought about giving it up.)

It's getting more uncomfortable for Tom and I to live in this country.  I'm sure this surprises no one.  We are all too focused on self, our careers, our stuff, and even our families.  It's very discouraging at times.   During those discouraging times, I go to the Gospel and remember what Christ did for us.  I remember Him.  I'm not sure what God has in store for us.  I do know the Gospel is not about us and what we want or what our children want.  It is about Christ, His love, and His grace.  What can you do to put love under your tree this year?



“Radical obedience to Christ is not easy... It's not comfort, not health, not wealth, and not prosperity in this world. Radical obedience to Christ risks losing all these things. But in the end, such risk finds its reward in Christ. And he is more than enough for us.”
― David Platt, Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream