All Grown Up

When we were little, my sister and I would get so excited when the Sears catalog and Service Merchandise catalog would come in the mail. We would sit there and circle toy after toy for our list. There would always be one big item we thought we would just have to have.

Today my grown-up Christmas list would look so different. Instead of items or toys, I wish no one went hungry, and that people had more compassion and showed kindness and love towards others.

The biggest item on my list is peace. Peace in people's hearts, peace in families, and peace for the world. We live in a difficult world where we don't all get along. This Christmas, I pray we keep the peace of Christ within us and show the love of Him. 

Reflect and Respond

• Did you ever have a "big ticket" item you hoped you would receive for Christmas as a child? Did you get it?
• How comfortable are you with giving and receiving gifts and why?
• Give a surprise gift to someone today—anyone!—"just because."