With buying a house taking top priority with our finances, I have to admit I wasn’t looking forward to Christmas as much this year. Admittedly, it was our smallest Christmas budget  in a long time. Paul quotes Jesus as saying in Acts 20:35,  “It’s more blessed to give than to receive.” That’s never been more real to me than during Christmas. Watching the face of my wife and kids light up at surprise or unexpected gifts is one of the highlights of my year.  While my bride and I wrapped presents last night, we did a few special things for the kids that made me feel better about the coming morning. Yet, I was convinced it wouldn’t be the same.

Morning came quickly. The kids woke up with smiles galore. We read the Christmas story and prayed as is our tradition, then headed to the living room to exchange gifts. The morning unfolded full of smiles, cackles of delight, and the usual struggle getting our youngest to open all his gifts (because he’s playing with the ones he already opened). And at the end, as I sat on the couch, each child was enjoying something they received, their eyes full of wonder.

It’s a beautiful day.

Yes, some things were different. But there’s a song I love that has a line that grabs me every time it plays.

“What you don’t have, you don’t need it now.”

How true is that? We don’t have a house yet, but we do have a home. And while the morning was short a few of my signature surprises, I still have a great family who loves me and is together.

It’s a beautiful day. And I’m so thankful to my Savior that I get to enjoy it!

Have you thanked the Lord for today, regardless of how “good” your Christmas has been so far? Stop and take some time with Him to tell Him so! And if you like, enjoy a great song 🙂