At Christmas we parents become concerned with what we will give our children, the cost of such gifts, and how our already busy schedules can fit holiday events. Amidst this, I ask that you give yourself a present -- the gift of parenthood.

You say you have already experienced parenting? Oh yes, you've received smelly diapers, long nights holding vomiting children, endless sports schedules, costly designer clothing, frustrating homework assignments, dating dilemmas, and college questions. However, is this the sum of Christian parenthood? Continuous frustrations and disappointments mingled with moments of joy and delight -- sprinkle in a few Sunday school teachings, a handful of family devotions, bedtime prayers, and hope everything will work out all right?

Is this the gift of which I speak? Certainly not -- the gift I reference is Christ-lead parenting. Why is this a gift you ask? When Christ leads your family, then the decisions of life come from His counsel. The burden of life's unknowns is lifted because He who knows the future is telling you what to do. Further, all your needs are met, for you are relying upon Him to meet them as He states in His Word (Matthew 6:25-30). When the world's storms blow you will not face them alone, for He guarantees "I am with you always, to the end of the earth" (Matthew 28:20).

I could go on for hours regarding the benefits of Christ-lead parenting, but here are the best reasons to surrender to Him: one, the security of salvation (i.e. relationship with God and eternal life), two, the delight of sanctification (i.e. sin's grip broken and resultant closeness with Christ), three, the meaningfulness of family service (i.e. purposeful living). Having the Alpha and Omega leading your family is a supreme gift.

All you need to receive this gift is belief in Christ. Your desire to have Him in your life is enough. His mercy and grace will carry you through the rest. Many of us Christians believe we need to create supernatural faith within ourselves instead of depending upon Him to provide everything. We work hard at being Christians. Christ told us though He was removing burdens, lightening our loads, not adding to them. He will give you His strength, faith, and personality traits to live generously. Remember "… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance," Galatians 5:22-23. When you ask for more of Him and release the habits and thoughts that bind you He gives and gives and gives.

How do you accomplish this? First, be honest that you don't know what to do next in your family's life. Second, admit that you are more concerned with how you look as a parent rather than parenting God's way with His children. Third, acknowledge that without Him there is no goodness in your parenting. He knows your heart, but is waiting for your honest submission to His authority -- afterwards the help will flow like a mighty river.

This Christmas ask Jesus to take you from knowing His word to believing it, then prepare yourself for the delight that comes from knowing your maker personally (Yes, I said delight). Your parenting and your family will only benefit from such a gift.

Until next month may our Lord's love be with you,

Dr. Jane