Christmas. The very word evokes love, giving, generosity, and sharing. Families gather together. Even countries seem to get along better this time of year. Gifts become a way to show others that we care.

Yet, many families struggle to find the means to purchase even a small gift for their children. This was the situation I found myself in many years ago. Fortunately, a local agency asks others to "adopt" families in order to provide gifts for kids who would not receive any. My family was adopted by a wonderful group that year.

As a way to "pay it forward," I began this tradition in our congregation of adopting families at Christmas. Though, we never get to see the joy and excitement on the children's faces, I remember how excited my own kids were years ago.