Lesson 15: Give

       Big Dude, you were a jolly person. It was safe to say that you were a happy man. You were almost always in a good mood, laughing and cracking jokes. You were a Buddy the Elf at Christmas. You loved seeing people light up opening the gifts you got them, and you loved watching them encounter your elaborate Christmas pranks even more. You were a Christmas person.
       I, on the other hand, am more of a Grinch. I change the radio station when Christmas music comes on, or avoid the radio altogether. I don't decorate the house. I don't count down the days to Christmas. But I LOVE giving gifts. Nothing makes me happier than picking out the PERFECT present for someone I care about and them loving it. I love making the people I love happy.
       My problem with the holiday is this - we've forgotten what it's truly about. God gave His only son to us on Christmas Day, and that's the biggest gift of all. He gave someone so precious to us, because He loves us. Instead of focusing on what's on our wishlist and what Santa might bring, we should remember this - the point is to GIVE, and the point of giving each other gifts is to remind those we love how much they mean to us.

"Every good and perfect gift comes from above."

James 1:17

       I never for a moment doubted how much you loved me, and I know I'm not alone. You gave so much of yourself to your family and friends, not just gifts, but your love. I hope that this Christmas I can do the same, and maybe pull a Travis-grade prank somewhere along the way.
       Love, Bubba