On Christmas day the family room was filled with empty boxes, crumpled wrapping paper, dozens of toys, electronics, and other items. The boys were practically in a stupor after the last gift was opened. Parker threw his hands up in frustration, and with all the strength the seven-year-old could muster, he cried, “Is this all there is? Where’s my monster truck?”

Needless to say, Mark and I were mortified in front of our families and appalled at the greed and ingratitude we saw in our son.

This year we have decided to do things differently. We gathered gently used clothing and toys we no longer used and took them to our church. Later we helped distribute them to the poor. The boys helped us, so they have a better sense of how much we have and how little others have. We made a decision to limit our Christmas presents to two for each person. We have enlisted our families’ cooperation, and they have agreed to reasonable limits on gifts this year.

Mark and I want to teach our children that Christmas isn’t all about getting as many gifts as possible. It is about the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

From the moment we’re born, we have a tendency toward greed. Left to our own devices, we would be totally self-absorbed, and our culture is geared to reinforce that selfishness. But God’s kingdom is upside down from the world’s system. Material goods do not satisfy—only God can fill that empty space inside of us.