As I contemplated what to send my mum for Christmas I was hit with a revelation: use your writing talent! Did you know that writers have in their hot little hands the best Christmas gifts of all time? Imagination.

Writers are creative creatures and when given the right inspiration can produce some of the best literary works in history. It doesn't matter if you're a national best seller or someone just beginning a writing career, you can take your God-given talents to new heights this Christmas.

Just look at the possibilities:

1. Write a short story, illustrate the pages, print and bind. (Kinko's will do the trick.)
2. Write a poem, include an appropriate picture, and frame it.
3. Write a skit, get a few volunteers and put on a live performance.
4. Write a script, decorate your house, grab your family members, and video tape it.
5. Write a song, put it to music, and sing.
6. Write a slogan and cast it onto a ceramic object.
7. Write something clever, whimsical, or humorous and paint it onto a t-shirt.
8. Write a one-man musical and video tape it.
9. Write a one-man comedy act and video tape it.
10. Write a letter. Tell your family and friends how much they really mean to you, and then frame it with a picture of you and the recipient.
11. Write a photo diary. Get out some of your favorite pictures of you and your gift recipient and place them in a scrapbook, then go back through the scrapbook and write a few heartfelt, upbeat diary-style words.

All too often we look at Christmas the wrong way: a time of year that wipes out our bank accounts, and adds stress to our already busy lives. That's not what Christmas was meant to be. Christmas is a blessing sent from above to remind us how precious we truly are. What father would ever give up his child to save another human being's life? Yet, that is exactly what God did when He sent Christ to earth.

Born in a manger, to a poor family, Christ grew up to be the Savior of all. He willingly gave His life that we might have life. He died on that cross so we can be forgiven of our sins and given the opportunity to enter heaven's gates.

While I can't think of a better Birthday present, to Christ, than giving our lives over to Him, I do believe that once we've given our lives to Him, we can continue to give Him great gifts when we slow down and give of ourselves to another human being.

Merry Christmas!