Happy Birthday Jesus I Hope You Like Crap

Okay, picture this: It's Christmas! The house smells like pine needles and gingerbread. We're all buzzing with that special holiday energy, ready to celebrate a certain someone's birthday.

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

And let's be honest, what do you get the guy who supposedly created the universe? It’s a head-scratcher, right? We end up getting him... stuff.

We load up that poor Christmas tree with presents. There's sparkly wrapping paper, bows the size of your head, and enough ribbon to tie up a small country. It’s a beautiful mess of festive cheer.

But then the thought hits you: are these things that Jesus would actually *want*? I mean, did He really need that singing bass or Aunt Mildred's fruitcake?

Let's Be Real About These Presents

Think about your own Christmas hauls. How many scented candles have you re-gifted? How many pairs of socks are still hiding in the back of your drawer, tags on and all?

Exactly! We all have that pile of "crap" we don't need. And yet, every year, we happily contribute to the mountain of stuff.

I'm not saying we should ditch the gift-giving altogether. It's fun! It's tradition! It’s a way to show we care.

It's the Thought That Counts, Right?

But maybe, just maybe, Jesus appreciates the thought more than the actual thing. Maybe He's up there looking down, chuckling at our well-intentioned but often misguided attempts to celebrate his birthday.

Imagine him saying, "Oh, another fuzzy toilet seat cover? You guys really shouldn't have!" with a twinkle in his eye. He is God, after all; He probably has infinite humor.

And maybe He gets a kick out of seeing us all gathered together, even if we're arguing over who gets the last slice of pie. Maybe the connection and love are the real gifts.

Maybe it's about the laughter, the memories, and the feeling of togetherness. It's about the weird family traditions that make us who we are.

So, what *does* Jesus want?

Okay, I'm not claiming to know the mind of God. But I have a hunch. Maybe He wants us to be a little kinder.

Maybe He wants us to be a little more patient with our relatives. Maybe He wants us to actually *use* that gift certificate to the soup kitchen.

Maybe He wants us to forgive the person who cut us off in traffic.

"Love your neighbor as yourself,"

So this Christmas, as you're unwrapping your pile of "crap," remember the birthday boy. Remember the reason for the season.

And remember that even if Jesus doesn't need another pair of reindeer antlers, he probably appreciates the effort. Just maybe, add a little kindness to your holiday cheer.

Because honestly, that's probably the best gift you can give. Happy Birthday, Jesus! I hope you like our crap... and our love!

And remember the **true** meaning of Christmas, whatever that means to *you*!