The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the hearts.
Proverbs 17:3
Too often Christmas becomes all about the presents. Silver, gold, shiny and new. The more expensive and beautiful, the better--or so we might think. God's Word tells us that material things are not important. They don't last. God is concerned with the state of our hearts, and that is what we should be concerned about, too. Don't worry if you aren't loaded with extra money to spend on extravagant gifts this year. A homemade gift or heartfelt deed means much more than any store-bought item.
Prayer:
Dear Father, help me to remember that You are concerned with the state of my heart and not the amount of money I spend this year.
AMEN.
Family Activity:
Visit a nursing home as a family. Call ahead and find out how many residents life there. Take them inexpensive little gifts, homemade items or fruit. Younger children can color some pictures to give away. Talk with the senior residents, and you just might make a few new friends. Join them in singing holiday carols or playing a game or two.
Stress-free Tip
Help de-stress your church's staff. During Christmas break, call your church's secertary and ask if your family can help around the church. Many churches have little jobs that anyone in the family can do: for example, pencil sharpening, bathroom cleanup, or envelope stuffing and stamping.
Recipe:
Old-Fashioned Preserve Thumbprints
Ingredients
1(8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup softened butter
1 cup powdered sugar
2 1/4 cups Flour
1/2 teaspoon bakking soda
1/2 cup pecans
1/2 Teaspoon vanillaStrawberry and Peach fruit Preserves
Directions
Beat cream cheese, butter, and sugar until smooth. Add flour and soda; mix well. Add pecasn and vanilla. Mix well; chill dough for at least 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Press your thumb in the middle of each cookie; fill with about 1 teaspoon preserves. Bake 14-16 minutes or until light brown. Cool on wire rack. Makes about 3 dozen.
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