Several years ago, my family decided to renew our heart for giving and the true meaning of Christmas during the holiday season by giving a special gift to a needy family. There was a family suffering in the church at that time with a newborn girl that had several serious physical problems and therefore, they were suffering greatly. We decided we wanted to give a physical outpouring of blessing upon this family. We went out together and picked out Christmas gifts for each of the other several children and surprised them with these gifts on Christmas Eve. It was such a wonderful time together to serve this family with the love of Christ and the body. From then on our families became very close friends. I treasure this experience as one of our most purposeful and meaningful Christmas traditions growing up. We received the true joy of giving!
How can we treasure the gift of Jesus’ coming this Christmas? Consider giving a gift to Jesus in a similar way, especially as Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’ birthday. Noel Piper says in her book, Treasuring God in Our Traditions, “One of the unusual things about Jesus is that when we give a gift to him, other people benefit.” Consider how you can refocus on the true meaning of Christmas by setting aside some of your budgeted Christmas funds as a gift for Jesus. With children, they can participate by doing extra chores to earn money/wages for the Jesus gift.
‘And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” (Matt. 25:40)
Decide now if there is a needy family, relief agency, missionary, or local ministry that your family could give to. Start praying on their behalf. Get creative. Maybe you could serve them in a particular way if you do not have funds to give. We can all seek to give a gift to the Giver of Life and receive great blessing and joy in return!
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