A Gift from the Heart

Our family has adopted a special Christmas tradition that I guess could be blended with New Years resolutions. After all the presents were opened, stomachs stuffed with goodies, and the general noise level subdued, the attention rate of our children was a lot better after than before Santa’s arrival. Since timing is everything with kids, that’s when we hit ‘em with the nativity story in Luke, chapter 2, after which we talked about the wonders of that first Christmas.

We always end this discussion with thoughts about gifts. Real gifts. Just as the wise men came to honor the newborn Saviour with precious gifts, there are gifts we also can give to Him. But these packages are not hard or soft, nor can they be purchased with dollars. They have to make a real difference. Although these are gifts written as simple words on a piece of paper, they are stuck in the chambers of the heart, hopefully forever.

I did search my heart carefully this time. What would be my greatest gift to Him this year? I didn’t need long to think; I’ve known it for some time: Patience. In the past I have always seen myself as one with much patience, but during the last few years it has started to slip from me. And I want it back! I’m not myself without it, and my family needs a father and a husband who will cherish that virtue better than he has lately.

I wrote the word down on a note, just like the others did, and we put them all in a wooden box which my two sons placed underneath the Christmas tree. Lord Jesus… here is our gift.

Happy New Year! (Make it a good one!)

The Unforgetable Elves

Click on the image to see my kids magically transformed…

A Real Christmas Card

I know I posted a different Christmas card earlier, but I (and the family) can’t help sending this second one (with a photo by courtesy of the Nativity Story, a motion picture from 2006). To me this photo is amazing. I am filled with so many thoughts and emotions when looking at it. I don’t even know where to start - so just feast your eyes on it and let yourself go.

In the past weeks I have met many people in different circumstances. Most of them are more or less stressed by the hustle and bustle of the upcoming Christmas celebration. Personally, I have always loved Christmas. But sadly, as the years have passed by so has also the spirit of Christmas started to pass us by. The reason is obvious, of course: We have removed Christ from Christmas. What we (or our children) want has become more important than what we can give. Hence, we’re missing the whole point.

So let’s bring Him back! Let us talk more about His life and deeds. I promise, this will inspire us to move forward in love toward all fellow men. If we, every one, would follow His word… well, do I even need to say what kind of world we could live in. It would be true Christmas every day! Jesus Christ is not just some mythical legend with a nice story. He is real! In one statement, this means He brings real meaning to our lives.

Take care of one another,

Louis

A Different Christmas Card

Just want to send to all my friends a different Christmas card this year. We decided to have some fun in the studio (and in Photoshop). Hope you enjoy it! But most importantly, I hope you enjoy your Holiday Season. And please, don’t forget to do some good out there. There may be someone just around the corner who stand in need of your love and service - today!

God bless you!

Brother Louis