Greatest Gift of All

It’s almost Christmas! We are just over a week away from the glorious holiday… and if you’re anything like me- you still have presents to buy (not to mention wrap)… (And I am clueless on some very dear people…)

I will admit, I used to go all out on buying for friends and family. But as the years pass, and I reflect on the actual meaning of the season, I have scaled back drastically. I used to stress over finding the perfect gift, getting the best deal and not overspending (too much). In the chaos of the shopping, I lost the purpose of the holiday: love. The purpose behind each gift was to show an appreciation for the person; to let them know that I care and that they are in my heart. (But I found that the more aggravated I got at shopping, the less I carried them, or any love, in my heart.)

Christmas is the season for giving; to let others know that you care. It’s the season where generosity and love spread farther than any other time of the year. I absolutely love this month. No matter religious (or nonreligious) beliefs, it seems that almost everyone gives of themselves during this holiday; and typically in ways that they don’t throughout the other eleven months. And that is what it’s about. What better way to show our Christ to people than to give; time, gifts, love? But let us not forget that He is the reason we do any of this.

He gave up His throne, to be born a man, to give His entire life to serve others, to die sacrificially for us. There is no greater love. (John 3:16; John 15:13) So, may I suggest that you add one more Person to your shopping list? It won’t cost you anything financially; though the sacrifice will be greater than anything else you’ve ever done or given… Add Jesus. He purchased your soul for you. (1 Corinthians 6:20) Give Him something in gratitude; in love.

…Give your time to someone that needs help; whether it’s volunteering for a charity, or a widowed neighbor, or picking up a shift at work for a coworker to have more time with their family. Or you can give a little more of your money for a name on the angel tree at the mall, or the food pantry in your town, or a family in need at your church. (Matthew 25:35) Take time each day to reflect on the many blessings God has given you. Thank Him for everything He’s done. Reflect in your heart, what might be keeping you from growing closer to God. Is there something in your life/style that has hardened your heart somewhat? Give that to God. (Matthew 6:19-21) It may sound like a junk gift, but that’s the one He wants the most. It’s not regifting to Him; it’s not a white elephant present; it’s not trash…It’s the greatest form of love we can offer. When we finally let go of our fears, anxieties, dependence on things, (Philippians 4:6-7) and rely fully on Him, we both receive the best Gift of all: Love. By giving Him our pride (and that’s what all of our inadequacies boil down to: pride), we are showing Him our deepest love for Him; and we are opening ourselves to His deepest Love. That truly is a gift that keeps on giving; the greatest Gift of all. (Romans 6:23)