The Rev. Dr. John Hatcher

Christmas is all too much about “what you gonna, get?” Well, I hope that someone, somehow, will give you some of the most wonderful gifts of Christmas.

I hope someone will give you unconditional love. That is, you don't have to jump through any hoops, say the right words, or even behave in the right way. Someone loves you in light and spite of who you are. Unconditional love is a gift without preconditions or post-conditions. It's something you can use all year, especially when your performance review at work is nothing to brag about.

If you have not given your children nor spouse this gift, how about right now. Put down the paper, find them amid the clutter of the tree, hold their hands, and tell them, “I love you no matter what!” That will be the best gift you will give.

I hope someone will give you the simple joy of just being home. Home should be a refuge, a safe haven, a protected harbor where you know beyond a shadow of doubt that you are safe and comfortable. And it can only be given. Have you given your kids the joy of being home: not on their case about their room all the time; not always judging the way they eat; making the home for them a place of encouragement rather than criticism? Can your spouse really relax in or out of your presence at home.

I hope someone will give you some gratitude for all that you do. You know, a feeling that carries the words, “Thank you for...,” and “I really appreciate you because...,” and “You mean so much to me and here's why...,” and “I don't know what I would do without you because you....”

Gratitude is an intentionally given response. Too often we teach children that gratitude is a reflex rather than a thoughtful response. For example, mother gives child candy bar and says, “What do you say?” Child learns to say, “Thank you.” Gratitude eliminates the feeling of being taken for granted. So, give someone this very day your thoughtful, more than a quick “thank you,” expression of gratitude. Use no less than 35 words.

I hope someone will give you some thing that you wanted and did not need. I love to get pajamas and underwear and handkerchiefs. I need those things. But then, when I'm given some thing I want but don't need, that says, “You are special.” Isn't it a super feeling when someone gives us that?

Well, let's suppose nobody will give you any of my suggestions. Everybody is mad at your house. Why don't you start it? Won't cost you anything! Besides there's a law that says, “Give and to you, it shall be given...” Merry Christmas. Truly, the best Christmas gifts can't be put in a box.

The Rev. Dr. John Hatcher is pastor of River's Edge Community Church in Fayetteville.

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