For most of us, the Christmas season is for giving and receiving gifts.  It’s a time when families get together and love covers our lives.  Children squeal for joy as they open presents, hug their Grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins. 

We eat too much of our favorite food.  Parents look for the exact gift that will please all those on their lists.  Christmas is a time for joy, happiness and peace.

For some here in Bolivia, Christmas is another word used on the street, over the radio or on the television that must signify something for someone else.  For these it’s another day, season or holiday – no different from any other day.  Hunger needs to be fed.  The changing weather and rains bring colds and sickness that keep them from work.  Mothers or fathers are still in jail.  Cardboard homes fall down around whole families.

Over 300 of the poorest children in Cochabamba receive gifts from ministries of the International Church alone.  People all over Cochabamba reach out and give to the less fortunate.  Churches, civic organizations, women’s clubs and families give gifts to those less fortunate than them.  It’s a time to reach out in love.  It’s a time to sacrifice so others can enjoy.

In the security of our homes, what do we teach our children?  Do they help give to the poor?  Do they help find, wrap and give presents to their grandparents?  Or do they simply expect – sometimes things better than they receive?  What are we teaching our children about Christmas?  Do we tell our children the reason for this holiday season – or do they just think it’s a western holiday where gifts are expected?

In English we celebrate Christmas – or “Christ’s” “mass.”  In Spanish it’s Navidad – Christ’s birth.  Do we know of the sacrifice of God, leaving heaven’s beauty, heaven’s peace, heaven’s love – to become a helpless baby boy whose parents had to flee to save His life?  He sacrificed all the attributes of being God to become part of the human race that is subject to the deterioration of the perfect universe He created.  He was willing to die an excruciatingly painful death on the cross.  But what was His gift that inspires us to give gifts today?  Nothing less than eternal life in paradise!  Nothing less than giving us the Holy Spirit to live with us and help us every day!  Do our children know this Christmas story?  Let’s remember the real story of Christmas – of Navidad.

None of us are perfect as individuals – nor are our marriages perfect.  As we work together to maintain our love and a strong marriage, our homes will be a good environment for growing and happy children.