"What Were They Thinking?"

It is funny how many Christmas’ I open a present and think to myself, “What were they thinking?” Then I realize how many people open presents from me and ask themselves the same thing. I go out and buy something for someone that I think they should have. A gift that I feel will enhance their life and yet realize it was only a gift I liked and wanted them to like. I remember a great Frazier, yes I am a closet Frazier fan. It seems Frazier and Niles find a box filled with old Christmas presents. Smoking Jackets, Silk Shirts, things that the boys wished their dad would appreciate, all gifts he could not. He reminded his sons to stop buying things that will change someone but allow them to be who they are. Maybe this Christmas the best gift we could give is that of accepting one another. That is right! Just giving each other love and acceptance. Not gifts that will make them into who we want them to be but the gift of allowing them the joy of being. Micah 6 tells us that all the Lord requires of us is, and this is how the message puts it:

"What God is looking for in men and women is quite simple, Do What Is Fair and Just to your neighbor. Be Compassionate and Loyal in your Love, and don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously." 

Pretty good message for this year. Lighten up, enjoy life and each other. Love, be kind and care for each other. And best of all let God be our focus. So just expect to relax and enjoy this season with our focus being on our Savior, the real reason for this season.