Good morning, Five Minute Families! Merry Christmas to you all! It has long been a tradition in our family that our sweet Papa Jerry would open our holiday family meals with a devotion. The last couple of holidays, he has drawn in Jim and my brother-in-law, knowing that his earthly time would be short. Though we were all only able to be together via video messaging in some way for Thanksgiving and Christmas had to be celebrated separated and early, Jim has taken the time, in addition to all the wonderful cooking he does for us, to write and share a devotional. This Christmas he wrote a poem.

What child is this? A question several asked.

A ponder on which we stand.

For unto us is born this day, a Savior.

From what shall we be saved? Saved beyond death. Saved beyond life. Saved beyond this world.

That child. A child that grows into the Son of Man. The Son of God. The Son that shines.

Do you see the light? Do you know where it comes from? Do you know what it is?

Do you have that light? Now is the time to shine!

The light shines in the darkness and that darkness can never put it out!

And it started with a child. Born unto us.

What child is this? That child is Jesus.

The child Jesus Christ was the greatest gift anyone can ever receive. He is the greatest reason to give gifts during the holiday season. But, this year has been hard. Emotionally, mentally, physically, financially… you name it. Some folks are suffering and just getting out of the bed in the morning is a victory.

So, what do you do if you find yourself three days before Christmas, struggling, but wanting to express a little love to those who matter most to you? Most importantly, remember that you do NOT need to spend money excessively or go into debt to show love. There are many non-gift ways to honor the birth of our Lord and express love to one another. But, for some, not giving a gift is frustrating and disappointing, thus…

Our five suggestions this week are ways to give a gift that won’t cost you much at all. We chose these five gift ideas based on the Five Love Languages:

1.    For those who feel love by receiving gifts, we suggest a coupon book. For your kiddos, you can include a monthly trip to the Dollar Tree where your child can pick ONE item. $12 plus tax spread throughout the year. Or, if you are crafty or skilled, a homemade item customized for your loved one is always special.

2.    For loved ones motivated by touch, we have another coupon book idea. This one is a massage a month for your spouse or even a single new book with reading cuddle time.

3.    Many folks need words of affirmation to feel that they are loved, so take the time to write down favorite memories of the year so that they can pull them out of a jar whenever they need to feel your love. A technology version of that would be to make a video tribute with photos from throughout the year set to their favorite song.

4.    Is your spouse or child loved by your acts of service? Try cooking their favorite meal even if it isn’t the traditional Christmas dinner. Bonus, it doesn’t take any extra money out of the meal budget. Make sure you clean up afterward, too, or it isn’t much of an act of service.

5.    And, finally, the love language of time. Commit to giving some of your free time to a coupon book of fun days. It doesn’t have to be amusement park fun. It can be extra time at the local park or driving a bit out of the way for that trail hike they have been wanting to try. Spend some time thinking about what would really be fun for your loved one. Another time idea is spending the time making a mixed tape or play list and then dance together in the living room.

If you are unfamiliar with the Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman, we highly recommend reading it. Spouses, you will learn to understand AND LOVE one another better, and parents, you can gain insight into what drives your child.

Five Minute Families, thank you so very much for gifting us with your presence this morning. We pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the boundless greatness of His power toward us who believe. May your Christmas be merry and bright as you point toward the Christ child! Merry Christmas!