Like many others, our church is active in assisting people in need during the Christmas holiday season. Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than receive." (Acts 20:35) 

Serving people in need helps us maintain perspective during the highly commercialized and fictionalized Christmas holiday. The best way to keep perspective is to remember that the first part of the word Christmas is Christ. Following His example and receiving the new life that God offers through Christ's self-sacrifice is the best gift of all.

Reciting "The Night Before Christmas" and inspiring children to have, "…visions of sugar-plums [dancing] in their heads…" imparts a happy feeling. However, those who know the power and goodness of the living Christ should strive to impart something much more tangible.