Married Guys & Christmas Gifts

As I write this, we're just a week away from Christmas Day, 2008. Personally, I'm facing one of life's greatest challenges for Married Guys ... what to get the Wife?! As I've pondered this dilemma, a couple of good general hints have come my way, through the media. One is a pretty good clue about what not to do, while I think the other one offers some excellent guidance on the right approach.

Perhaps, not so surprisingly, the "what-not-to-do" tip came to me via a forwarded email from my Wife. It had a link to a video entitled "Beware of the Doghouse". My sense is that most women find this to be more humorous than do most men. Basically, it portrays men making some bone-headed Christmas gift selections and ending up in an elaborately devised doghouse. In addition to vividly illustrating the sort of gift-giving that condemns a man to a stint in the "Doghouse", it provides the further revelation that, once you're in the "Doghouse", its awfully difficult to get out.

Although I do recommend that guys, especially Husbands, pay close attention to the "what-not-to-dos", I prefer to emphasize the "what-to-dos". Coincidentally, I picked up on a great example for this through the media this week too. Though it may not seem like the most likely place to seek direction on a topic like this, the source was Conservative Talk Radio Host, Hugh Hewitt. Anyone who listens to Hewitt, for any time at all, will be able to tell you that he consistently refers to his Wife, of over 25 years, as "The Fetching Mrs. Hewitt". While there may be many things you can read into this, as a "device", from the first time I heard it, I admired it as something sweet and precious that Mr. Hewitt faithfully honors in his relationship with his Wife.

Earlier this week, Hugh was broadcasting from Washington D.C. He was there, among other reasons, to attend a Christmas party at the White House. Of course, he commented on a number of things related to this trip but it struck me that, as much as anything, he mentioned that "The Fetching Mrs. Hewitt" was traveling with him and of how much they were enjoying revisiting experiences that were special to them when their relationship was young. It was hearing these reminiscences that reminded me of the most important "what-to-do" for Married Guys, with Christmas Gifts. That is, regardless of the gift/s you select for your Wife, bear in mind that they should reflect your appreciation for the fact that, short of His gift of His Son, God's greatest gift to you is her.

Oh, one more thing. The most important three words of wisdom from my Wife, Ruth, as she dispatches me for this year's Christmas shopping ... "Save the receipts!"

Against Such There Is No Law

By now, it should come as no surprise to you that Figgins and I tend to focus on the more upbeat aspects of life. And, you've probably noticed that's particularly true around Christmas. It seems that's become more challenging in recent years, with folks battling over Christmas being celebrated in the workplace or in the public square or questioning the political correctness of wishing someone what's in your heart ... "Merry Christmas!" However, I think there's a better approach than some take, who claim there is "A War on Christmas".

Don't get me wrong. I'm a man of faith. I accept the first four Words of the Bible ... "In the beginning, God" ... so, from there, the Truth of the Scriptures fall into place pretty easily for me. I, clearly, see the point of those who say there's "A War Against Christmas". I just think there's a better and more Scriptural, approach than starting a shouting match with those who see things differently than I do.

Figgins and I saw a great example of this alternative approach, during the past week, right here in our town. We thought it was an especially fitting example because it took place at a public school. This particular school is one set aside to serve a selected population of K-5 students with serious emotional and behavioral problems. It seems that a local church has made it a practice to provide Christmas presents for the students at this school ... every student at the school ... and, typically, there are multiple gifts for each student. Moreover, the gifts are not just "a little something that was picked up from the mark-down table at the Dollar Store". These are quality items, such as winter coats and shoes, to fill needs that the church learned about through the student's teachers. Just this is remarkably wonderful but what we found to be most remarkable was that no one seems to know the name of the church involved. But then you must consider, maybe recognition isn't their goal. The goals The Scriptures direct Christians to seek include love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. Clearly, the church involved here is following that direction.

So, where does this fit in with "A War on Christmas"? You've got a bunch of Christians doing "Christmas stuff" at a public school, for Heaven's sake! Why no battling, shouting matches, etc. to prevent this? I think the answer is obvious. Actually, its one of those instances where you answer a question with another question ... one of common sense ... Who would want to prevent something this wonderful from happening?! In fact, the very Scripture that tells the Christian about love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance; also answers this question. It tells us, "Against such there is no law."

So, with that said, Figgie, Ruth (Figgie's "Mom") and I are encouraged that we can get away with saying to you all ...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!