Christmas Sacrifice
I remember Christmas in 1987. The Johnsons gave us a gift of $75 to buy a Christmas tree. What a great gift! Seventy-five dollars for a tree! Then I read the note that came with the money: "This year our family has decided to do without a Christmas tree. Instead we are giving our Christmas tree money to you so that your family can buy a tree."
And I thought, "What? Their kids won't have a Christmas tree? We don't need their money. We can afford to buy our own tree." I began to feel like the Grinch. I felt responsible for the very depressing Christmas these children would experience. I could picture the kids mourning over the place in their home where a tree would traditionally be placed. Where would they put their presents?
But if we refused this gift of money, it would appear we were not grateful or that we were questioning their parental decision to not have a tree. So we took the money and bought the tree. We decorated the tree. And when I looked at the tree, I was depressed. This should not be our tree.
I wondered if I would ever be able to model such sacrificial giving to my children.
And I wondered if I would ask my children to join me in making such a sacrifice.
But then again, God asked a sacrifice of His child. God gave the ultimate sacrificial gift. And He asked His child to join Him in making this sacrifice. And we received the gift of Christmas.
Now I'm not suggesting that you give up your Christmas tree. (Honestly, I'm not sure I could do it.) But consider having a family conversation about what a sacrificial gift might look like for your own family this Christmas.
The Johnsons had that conversation, and they experienced one of the greatest Christmas seasons ever. After all, when it comes to Christmas, isn't it all about sacrificial giving?
By the way, please don't sacrifice any Christmas trees my way.