REACHING OUT TO OTHERS IS BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT

When most people think of Christmas presents, they visualize material gifts -- new toys under the tree.

But sometimes the best gift is the one of giving, reaching out to help others, said the Rev. Mike Parry of the Baptist Student Center at Southeast Missouri State University.

Gifts don't have to be material items. They can be gifts of hospitality or reaching out to neighbors.

"Christmas is the one time of year when folks are receptive to us reaching out to them," said Parry.

"As a family we like to ask ourselves, `What would Jesus want for Christmas?' You know, it is his birthday."

In the Bible, Jesus urges his followers to visit the sick, clothe those who are naked and feed those who are hungry, Parry pointed out.

For children, toys are a part of Christmas. Parry said his 4-year-old daughter refers to the Toys R Us store as "Toys For Us."

"I do think that the idea of exchanging gifts is a good idea," said Parry. "I do think, however, that our focus ought to be on what we can do for other people and what the true meaning of Christmas is.

"Our family has begun thinking that our best gift, even financially, ought to be to Jesus."

Parry said, "That might mean buying a toy for someone at church we know who can't afford a toy, or that might mean giving to the Salvation Army or whatever, giving something beyond ourselves."

Through Advent calendars and other activities, families can focus on the meaning of Christmas throughout the holiday season, he said.

Making Christmas decorations also can be fun. Parry said his family recently made Christmas angels out of construction paper and glitter.

"You can develop traditions of doing simple things as opposed to spending a lot of money," he said.