What if the best Christmas you ever gave your family had nothing to do with what was under the tree? In this episode, Kent and Lawson talk honestly about money pressure, comparison, and the expectation that "good dads" should deliver a huge Christmas every year. They share stories from tight-budget Decembers, laugh about Buzzsaw Louie and Tesla wish lists, and then slow down long enough to ask a better question: What is all this gift giving actually teaching our kids?

Walking through passages like Psalm 107 and Acts 20, they unpack the difference between generosity and consumerism, why it is more blessed to give than receive, and how to reset unrealistic expectations before Christmas morning. You will pick up practical ideas like simple Advent rhythms, service-based "gifts," low or no cost traditions, and creative ways to bless neighbors, teachers, and exhausted young parents without adding financial stress.

Whether this year has been lean or abundant, this conversation will help you point your kids away from "who got the biggest gift" and back to the Savior who never changes. As we head into this year's Christmas season, remember, you are not a father on accident, so go be a father on purpose.

We've launched video now! Check out the video version of today's episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jbRAn65x8EM

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Have a topic you want us to touch on? Well, get in touch! Send us an email at: info@manhoodjourney.org

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About our hosts:

Kent Evans is the Executive Director and co-founder of Manhood Journey, a ministry that helps dads become disciple-makers. After a twenty-year career as a business leader, he embarked on biblical Fatherhood ministry projects. He's appeared on television, radio, web outlets and podcasts. He's spoken at parenting and men's events, and authored four books. The first, Wise Guys: Unlocking Hidden Wisdom from the Men Around You, was written to help men learn how to find mentors and wise counsel. The latest, Don't Bench Yourself: How to Stay in the Game Even When You Want to Quit, aims to help dads stay present in their roles as fathers and husbands even when they feel like giving up. Kent's life has been radically affected by godly mentors and his lovely wife, April. They have been married thirty years and have five sons and one daughter-in-law. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.
Lawson Brown is husband to his high school sweetheart, a father of two young adult daughters, has been a business leader since 1995, and is a former Marine. He served as a small group leader for teenage boys for many years, helped start the Christian media ministry City on a Hill Productions, then later Sanctuary – a new church in Kennesaw, GA – where he served as its leader for Men's Ministry. Lawson's journey of faith has always been centered in a grounding from his wife, Audrey, and supported throughout by many men whom he's found as brothers along the way. His family is nearing an empty nest phase and has recently relocated to the Florida Gulf Coast beaches area.

Ivory & (Ebony)

Completely Arbortrary

Sapwood vs heartwood and why ebony is black

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