His Gifts Are Better Than Ours

"The pressures of this world push and pull on us every day, but Jesus, our shepherd, LEADS us."

“I am the shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me- just as the Father knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for the flock” (John 10:14-15, NIV)

The holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year! Getting the family together, keeping traditions, creating memories and seeing the holidays through my children’s eyes is magical.

Anyone that knows me, knows that I love getting gifts as well as picking out the perfect gift for all my friends and family.  In our house the Amazon Wish Book arrives in October and by November 1st almost every item is covered by a sticker because one of my children has deemed it as a “must have gift”.  I, of course, don't buy them everything they ask for, but I overindulge and overspend every year.  My mom heart just wants to give them everything they’ve ever wished for!

As this world seems to get crazier and more evil by the day, I am reminded that the greatest gift any of us could ever receive has already been given.  There is no greater gift than the sacrifice Jesus gave to us at the cross to free us from our sins and give us eternal life.  The pressures of this world push and pull on us every day, but Jesus, our shepherd, LEADS us.  He may lead us over mountains and through valleys, but this is what He deems necessary to get us to the greener pastures.  If we stumble and fall away from His flock, He will come looking for us and meet us wherever we have wandered to and lead us back. It is a comfort to me to know the Lord is leading and protecting my children.

Jesus is our shepherd, but as mothers it is also our responsibility to keep our offspring with the flock. This holiday season, as well as every day, we need to make sure we are gifting our children with the knowledge of Jesus and nurturing their relationships with Him. Lead them by example.

Action Steps:

• Think of a few intentional gifts this Christmas that will help your child grow closer to Jesus.

• Lead your children by example. Our calendars can get full quickly during the holidays, but make sure you are still serving the Lord. Include your children in some sort of service project i.e. adopting a family in need for the holidays, making cards for nursing homes, volunteering at a food pantry, etc.

Written by Canas, mom of 3