The reason for the Christmas season is Jesus. We are celebrating His birth. The celebration of this season includes exchanging gifts with family, friends and coworkers. It often also includes giving to people in need who we may not even know. We especially want to make sure Christmas is special for the children.

I recently heard a story about a little boy whose uncle gave him a harmonica as a gift. When the uncle saw him later, he asked him how he liked the harmonica. The little boy told him that it was the best gift he had ever received. The uncle asked if he had learned to play it. The little boy told him that he doesn’t play the harmonica. His Mom gives him $1.00 a day not to play it during the day and his Dad gives him $5 a week not to play it at night. What do you think the uncle thought about that?

God created us in His likeness and put within us unique and special talents. How do you think He feels about us when we don’t develop those talents and make something beautiful of our lives? He probably feels similar to the way the uncle felt when the little boy wasn’t using the gift he gave him in the way it was intended.

You were created to fulfill a specific purpose in this life. Using the gifts you were given in the way God intended is how you can best celebrate Christmas. Yes, buy those special gifts for the people you love and appreciate, but be sure not to leave Jesus out of the holiday that is supposed to be all about Him.

Give Jesus the gift of your very best self and you will find that you are living . . . life to the fullest.