Gifts For Christmas

Gifts are a central part of the Christmas celebration. Many spend the month of December finding presents for their family and friends. Gift buying can be stressful, since everyone wants something and it has to be perfect. The preacher might say gifts aren’t the real reason for Christmas, but we know that if there aren’t a pile of presents under the tree people will be unhappy.

Actually gifts play a significant role for Christmas. Not just in our Christmas, but also in the first Christmas. The wise men brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh to baby Jesus. Jesus Himself was a gift to the world and today He continues to give us gifts of peace, salvation, and forgiveness.

In short, Jesus loves giving gifts too. One of the main reasons He came to Earth was to give. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45, NASB.) Giving may seem like a materialistic tradition, but really it’s a symbol of what Jesus did for us.

As you give gifts this year, remember to give how Jesus gave – out of love and not out of obligation. Don’t pick out something random to give somebody. Choose carefully and make someone’s day on Christmas morning, not because the presents in and of themselves are the most important thing. Do it to show love like God showed it to us; through the gift of the Savior.

I’m taking a break to spend time with family and friends, so this will be the last blog post until after the new year. Until then, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!