HOW much did you spend on Christmas presents?

Jan 8 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

Did the amount you spent make it a better Christmas?

I don’t think it would have made a lot of difference.

Christmas is not about the money we spend on the presents we give it’s about the reason why we give presents.

It’s not to impress, or to outdo what someone gave us last year, or to keep up with the latest gadget or trend.

It’s about the thought behind the present we give.

The gift that may not cost very much but is chosen with care and love for that person is the most meaningful gift of all.

The reason we give presents is because of the first Christmas when Jesus was given presents to celebrate his birth and these were given not according to cost but in appreciation of God’s love is the best present of all, His son Jesus.

It’s Jesus that makes the difference, not the cost of a present, and not only at Christmas, He makes difference all year round.

Dennis Rose, Boghall Parish Church.