what I want to give my children

More than anything else, I want to give my children truth….for Christmas….for all their days. Truth, in what they hear me say. Truth, in how we live out our story. Truth, that comes from knowing the One who created them.

And when they argue, I want to give them this truth: Words soaked in love are always more powerful, always more fruitful.

And when they feel misunderstood, I want to give them this truth: I want to understand…but when I don’t, be certain that Jesus does. He knows you completely, spirit and flesh. He understands the depths of your soul.

And when they disobey, I want to give them this truth: Obedience to those who love you brings life and relationship.

And when they are hungry and beg for a snack, I want to give them this truth: One day you will hunger no more. For in Jesus, we are satisfied. A fulfillment like no other.

And when they complain, I want to give them this truth: Thankfulness brings joy. And joy brings abundance.

And when they think they aren’t good enough, I want to give them this truth: You are loved for who you are. All the beautiful, all the broken.

And when they hurt, I want to give them this truth: God heals wounds, he restores completely.

In the waiting of Christmas to come, we anticipate the birth of Truth. The kind of truth that sets all people free. The kind of truth I want to share.

I want to be a truth giver. To the mama who is grafting in a child. To the widow pierced by death. To the new born baby who brings life to her family. To the child who stirs up trouble. To the friend who needs encouragement. To myself when I forget. And especially to my dear children, who are searching every day for what is true, and what is not.

We decided our gift to each of our children this year would be gifts that speak a truth into their heart. I can’t wait for them to arrive so I can show you.

Let us be speakers and givers of truth. May it pour from our lips, and be witnessed in our life. May it bring light to what is hidden. Healing to what is painful. Hope to what seems lost. Wholeness to what seems broken.

Truth is coming, my friends. He’s worth every bit of waiting. May he be born — in you, in your home, in your relationships.