These next two weeks are the most incredible time of the year. It is the opportunity to practice what we preach throughout the rest of the year. In Men’s Ministries, we devote much of our pulpit time to challenging men to provide more for their family than a roof over the head, clothes in the closet, a car in the driveway and food in the cupboard.

In my three decades of youth ministry, we expressed it this way, “Children spell love t-i-m-e.”  I must confess that I have often felt that I do a better job of preaching this truth than living it. As much as I love football (I am a college football maniac), the festivities of Christmas (the most wonderful time of the year) and the food, I am determined to not miss the best of Christmas.

I will spend the personal time with my Lord, the dating time with my wife and the fun time with my children and grandchildren. With the years remaining, I plan to improve the practical part of spelling love t-i-m-e. And not just at Christmas. In the words of old Ebenezer Scrooge, “I will keep the spirit of Christmas throughout the year”.