We encourage you to think about your gift giving habits. Most Christians and many non-Christians exchange gifts at Christmas. The secular world has greatly penetrated our Christmas celebration because of this gift giving tradition. For many (if not most) companies it is the profits in their annual report and not their impact on Christianity that concerns them. The Magi (Three Wise Men) who gave gifts to the baby Jesus symbolize the reverence that should be employed by all of us during gift selection and giving. Of course we should not expect to give or receive gold and other expensive items. The most suitable gifts are those that remind both the giver and the receiver of God's gift to us. Also, those gifts should be from the pro-Gospel or neutral portions of your own decision tables.

Contrary to all the marketing hype thrust at us, inexpensive gifts are often appreciated the most. Gifts hand made with a loving heart may impact the recipient more than an expensive mass produced item. If you have any doubts about the appropriateness of a requested gift, put off buying it until after the Christmas Season. Many Christians believe that expensive gifts are best reserved for personal occasions such as a birthday, confirmation, graduation, or anniversary celebrations. Larger Christmas gifts are more appropriately directed toward spreading the good news of the Gospel and helping the less fortunate. Gifts do not have to cost any money; for example, you could give generously of your time. Charitable gifts made in someone else's name are seldom given, but are very appropriate. The Bible tells us: "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." (Colossians 3:1-2).

Moms and dads should keep in mind that good parenting is a job that is to be taken seriously. Even though the secular world bombards children with ads for inappropriate Christmas gifts creating desire in them, parents need to be selective in their purchases. Put Jesus Christ at the center of your Christmas celebration and that of your children.

There is a high probability that when small children hear about this program that they might think or deliberately be led to believe that this program is trying to take their Christmas presents away from them. That is absolutely not true! We are only encouraging parents to be both good parents and responsible Christians. There are thousands of potential presents in stores now that match the neutral category of your decision tables. There are also many pro-Gospel gifts available; and as this program matures, there will be an ever increasing number of pro-Gospel and neutral gift options. These new options will only become reality after Christian parents begin consulting with the Holy Spirit about their Christmas present purchases for their children.

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