My friend, Pastor Rick McKinley, writes about the true meaning of Christmas in his book "Advent Conspiracy" saying, “The story of Christ's birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love.  So, what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a Savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists.  And when it's all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt..., and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas? What if Christmas became a world-changing event again?"

With that challenge in mind, right now, instead of running out to find one more gift, make a phone call to someone who needs encouragement. Stop by a neighbor's house and say hello. Proverbs says, "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver". (Proverbs 25:11)

Taking a few minutes of your time to encourage someone else this Christmas may open many doors- and the value is far greater than any material gift.  Your words of love will last long after Christmas- maybe even into eternity.  Make the gift of relationship the highest priority this Christmas.  This is Andrew Palau.