Giving gifts seems to be an essential part of our Christmas celebrations. However, because of the commercialism that often accompany this tradition, some people may question if this practice has any spiritual value. This year so many stores are open 80-100 hours straight to accomodate the consumers. Because we all tend to procrastinate with many things we do, this also carries over to our Christmas shopping habits, resulting in last minute purchases, huge crowds at the malls and much stress, sometimes caused by too much spending. After all, this is a time to be joyful and stress free and give generously to demonstrate our love and appreciation for others, but it doesn't mean that we have to fill our credit cards with purchases we cannot afford. Furthermore we must question our gift giving motives. Are we giving because we feel obligated or are we giving because of genuine love and appreciation? God wants us to be joyful givers who delight in blessing others.
If you look at the Christmas story in the Bible (Luke, Matthew and John) it offers us an interesting perspective: Everyone involved in Christ's birth gave SOMETHING.
So, what are you going to give others this Christmas? Remember, gifts don't have to cost money or be wrapped in a box. How about giving of your time? Maybe someone you know would appreciate a call or a visit. Rather than spending all your money on family and friends, maybe you can help someone who is in financial need.
Well, whatever it is you are giving this Christmas, we wish you a Holiday Season full of Joy, Blessings and time spent with the ones you love.
If you look at the Christmas story in the Bible (Luke, Matthew and John) it offers us an interesting perspective: Everyone involved in Christ's birth gave SOMETHING.
- Mary (Jesus's mother) was engaged to Joseph and got pregnant, being obedient to God's will and giving of herself. By doing so, she also gave up her reputation. In those days, an engagement was as binding as marriage, even though the couple did not sleep together. To be found pregnant during this time would have a lot of people gossiping behind her back, and such adultery could have resulted in her being 'stoned to death'.
- The sheperds heard the birth announcement from an angel and left their sheep and hurried to find the baby, and then gave the news to many people about the angelic message and the birth of the promised Messiah.
- The wise men, who were probably astrologers, or philosophers who had traveled all the way from Persia (present day Iran), arrived in Jerusalem asking: "where is He who has been born King of the Jews"? When they found him, they fell down and worshipped him and gave him gifts; gold, frankincense and myrrh.
- Most importantly, God demonstrated his love by giving us the gift of His Son. Thus, we should also have the privilege of showing our love to others by giving them 'gifts'.
So, what are you going to give others this Christmas? Remember, gifts don't have to cost money or be wrapped in a box. How about giving of your time? Maybe someone you know would appreciate a call or a visit. Rather than spending all your money on family and friends, maybe you can help someone who is in financial need.
Well, whatever it is you are giving this Christmas, we wish you a Holiday Season full of Joy, Blessings and time spent with the ones you love.
