thinking outside the box

At Christmastime, it always seems that people get too much or get things that they don't need or want and we end up spending so much money during a season that should be focused on our Lord Jesus Christ. As we approach Christmas I've received a couple of catalogs for gifts outside the traditional Christmas box. Instead of getting another tie for your dad, another cookbook for mom, another toy for the kids, why not think outside the box and give a gift that will benefit a person in need? World Vision is one organization that allows you to do something truly unique. You can actually buy chickens, goats, cows, a water well, or even help sexually exploited girls. You can check out their website at www.worldvisiongifts.org

The other program I've heard about this year is WorldCrafts. Since I attend a Southern Baptist Church, I've just recently become familiar with this. The Women's Missionary Union sponsored a WorldCrafts event at our church. This organization goes to villages that are poor and desolate and they facilitate a way for their handmade goods to be sold thus bringing income to their village. There are some beautiful crafts that would make excellent Christmas gifts. Their website is www.worldcraftsvillage.com

Think about it...think about doing something different this Christmas. Even as a family you could decide that instead of spending money on things that will end up in a garage sale or Goodwill, you can take that money and invest it in something that will mean so much to a person or family in another part of the world.