31 Family Devotions For Christmas Day FOURTEEN Dec. 14th

11 Days Until Christmas

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also."

MATTHEW 6:19-21

When you think of your treasure, what comes to mind? Does it consist of temporary, material things, or is it eternal? Jesus tells us to store up our treasure in heaven. This doesn't mean just giving money to your church. Storing up treasure in heaven means giving of yourself, your time, and your talents. Invest yourself in the hearts and lives of your friends and family, your true treasures. This is what has eternal significance!

Prayers:

Dear Jesus, thank You for reminding us that our treasure is in heaven. Help me to get my priorities straight and realize that the treasures that last for eternity are much more important than my material things.

AMEN.

Family Activity:

Plan a game night with family and friends. Find some fun group games online and set out your favorite board games. Have some inexpensive prizes for the winners. To help keep the focus on the spirit of giving, ask guests to bring a nonperishable food item to donate to a local food bank as their entrance fee for game night.

Stree-free Tip:

Gift giving can get expensive in large families. Hold a gift exchange with a ten dollar limit or an exchange in which you must make a gift according to the likes and hobbies of the recipient. For example, if you have a family member who loves watching movies, purchase a large inexpensive bowl and add a box of microwave popcorn, a few candy bars, several cans of their favorite soda, and a five dollar gift card to a video rental store.

Recipe:

Peanut Butter Chocolate Kisses

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup sugar, plus extra sugar in a bowl for rolling

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

3 1/2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1(16 ounce) package chocolate candy kisses

Directions

Combine butter, peanut butter, and sugars; blend utnil creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; blend. Mix flour, soda, and salt; add to cream mixture; mix well. Roll dough into balls and then into a bowl of sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 7 minutes. Place kisses in the center of the cookie 2-3 minutes after removing from the oven.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Enjoy.