One of my favorite things about Christmas is receiving Christmas cards. What a beautiful tradition! I came to learn and adopt this tradition about 10 years ago. I particularly love the ones that have a picture of the family who is sending it. I think of all the work that goes into it. If you are a mom, you know—the coordination of the outfits, the timing, the weather, and the perfect photographer. Then choose the best photo and print the cards with ample time to send them out. I appreciate each card I receive. 

There is an element of emotion every time I open my mail and find a Christmas card. It makes me feel loved, cared for, and important. My family and I are remembered! I feel that a card is sending a wish, a thought, or a blessing to the one who receives it. It is a sweet greeting, like the one in 3 John 1:2 (NIV):

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 

I have one friend in particular whose card I anticipate receiving each year. She has an amazing creative talent; not only are her pictures spectacular, but she also writes the highlights of her family’s year in the form of a poem. I find it incredibly beautiful.

I know my friend’s heart and her intention is not to show off, but to share the joy of her family's achievements, to allow us to witness the growth of her kids, to share the adventures they live, and more importantly, the way the Lord has blessed them throughout the year and celebrate with them. 

I love how the apostle John gives us a sweet example of celebrating others’ success: "It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth" (3 John 1:3-4). Do you feel the love in his writing? It’s just like receiving a Christmas card! 

It’s easy to underestimate the power of a simple Christmas card, but it can actually be a form of ministry, not only to the ones we send them to—but to our own hearts. Sending Christmas cards may allow us to check our motives, write encouraging words, and tell people they are in our thoughts and prayers!

John goes on to say, "They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God" (3 John 1:6). Wow! If people talk about you, wouldn’t you want them to do so in that manner? 

You still have some time to get your cards ready. You may not have a professional photo of your family or an expensive card, but all you need is a card that reflects your love. Your card may be the one that will make someone smile because you thought of them, or the encouraging one because you chose the Bible verse they needed to hear, or even better yet, a good reminder that "it was for the sake of the Name" (3 John 1:7).

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Scripture is quoted from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION^®, NIV^® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.