What now? The presents have been unwrapped. Some exchanging is desired. The malls are open. Here we go again! Really!?

Tips for CHRISTmas present:

1. Praise the Lord as a family for the gift of the Christ-child.
2. Thank God for the blessings of family and children.
3. Honor the Lord with a family service project that blesses a family member, a neighbor or an organization that reaches out to the community.

Christmas celebrates the birth of the most influential life in all of history. As dads, we must accept responsibility to carry that influence forward today and build momentum into the New Year to act more like Christ than we did last year. Christmas is not past but always present. As we keep Christmas present, we will be heroes in our children’s eyes.

Click on comment to share how you can honor the Lord with Christmas present.

When the clerk says, “Happy Holidays”, I am quick to respond, “Merry CHRISTmas!” It makes me feel like I have taken a stand against an attack on my faith. I was busted by a friend last week that suggested if all Christians did a better job keeping CHRIST in Christian, Christmas would take care of itself.

A Christmas challenge - Keep Christ in the middle of every situation, discussion or decision you face across the season in honor of Jesus' birthday.

Tips on keeping CHRIST in Christian:

1. Believe what Jesus believed – renew your mind in the word of God every day.
2. Live as Jesus lived – not tolerant of sin but full of grace and truth.
3. Love as Jesus loved – unconditionally and take relationships to a new level.
4. Minister as Jesus ministered – as if working for the Father in all you do.
5. Lead as Jesus led – as a servant leader that always points to the Father.

In his book Choose the Life, Bill Hull addresses each of the ablove and provides a beautiful compliment to scripture on what it means to keep CHRIST in Christian. Reflecting Christ in us where He has us, is the only way we can be an influence for the Kingdom in this world. A generation depends on it! As you choose the life, you will be a hero in your children’s eyes.

The Word on Christ-likeness: For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that Jesus might be the firstborn among many brothers. – Romans 8:29 The natural tendency is to conform to the pressures and expectations put on us in this world but the word of God turns that upside down – to keep Christ in the middle of all we are and all we do, the mandate is to conform not to this world but to His likeness.

Prayer guide: Lord, thank You for the Word made flesh in Jesus so many Christmases ago, and for the example of His life on this earth. Forgive me for conforming to the pattern of this world with a dulled mind. Strengthen me with a renewed mind that is grounded in Your Word to boldly live a life that honors the glorious birth we celebrate this season. Amen.

Please comment on ways you can honor Christ where He has you this Christmas and beyond.

This is the season indeed … for receiving requests for support from every imaginable charity and non-profit cause. In his “Handsome Is as Handsome Gives” WSJ article, Arthur C. Brooks says those that give are happier, healthier and even better looking than those that don’t. The claims are impressively backed up by a number university surveys and various research initiatives.

One statement that really got my attention referenced a report that “found that altruistic teenagers are physically and mentally healthier late in their lives than their less generous peers.” I make no assumptions on causality but there is evidence of direct benefit from involving your kids in giving more than receiving. In the spirit of the popular “Advent Conspiracy”, I encourage you to review your giving this Christmas and discuss potential changes as a family.

Tips for the season:

1. Involve your kids in charitable giving as a family and have a dialogue on why you support certain charities or causes.
2. Engage the whole family in a service project of some kind – serving food to the homeless, reaching out to a neighbor in need or joining a work project.
3. Keep giving generously – non-profit causes typically receive nearly half their funding during this season. If you are led to support Faithful Fathering, thank you.

Even during the Great Recession, Americans still give away more than the entire gross domestic product of prosperous countries such as Israel and Denmark! That reflects well on this one nation under God. As you reflect cheerful giving in your home, the kids will catch what you’ve got and you will be a hero in their eyes.

The Word on Giving – “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6-7. Paul provided the foundation for Mr. Brooks’ article - a Biblical truth that researchers have now proven empirically.

Prayer guide: Lord, thank You for the many gifts and blessings in my life. Enable me to discern well between wants and needs, that I may give generously from the heart in a way that glorifies You during this season and throughout the year. Amen.

Click on comment to share ways your family practices charitable giving.