CHRISTIAN IDIOT - VIII

I am a teacher in a mission school, a place where practical Christianity finds expression! Some of my colleagues at school have already bought silk saris for Christmas. These days, lunch time conversations in the staff room center around clothing for Christmas. I am scared to join in. They might raise their eye-brows if I tell them that I was not going to buy expensive new clothes for my family. We as a family have decided to include two less fortunate families in our Christmas budget. We do not have much to spare; but still we want to share what ever we have with others during this Christmas season. This may not be possible unless we curtail expenses on ourselves. I do not dare to tell my colleagues about our family decision. They sure would have solid arguments to justify a gala Christmas with glittering dresses and all. I would rather listen to the silent message of God’s gift of His son which involves self-giving. I suppose you don't understand our Christmas budget. We as a family do not fully understand God’s self-giving love either! But Christmas has taught us to give until it hurts; and there is joy in getting hurt like that! Does that sound a little bit idiotic? Perhaps it does. But my husband and I agree that the joy of giving comes from the sacrifices it involves. Merry Christmas!