Christmas is such a festive season, so full of rich traditions that have long been a part of our culture.
But as much as I love turning on the Christmas carols and look forward to time with family and friends, it’s all too easy for me to let the traditions and festivities overwhelm the only reason I have anything to celebrate:
The gift of the Prince of Peace, baby Jesus.
His gift to me was a gift freely given, not earned, expected or deserved, from the heart of our heavenly Father.
This life-giving offer of salvation is the very heart of what it means to give. During Jesus’ time on earth, he spoke to us of giving:
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” — Matthew 25: 35-36, TNIV
As I hurry through this holiday season, from party to party, lugging shopping bags around the mall, making my list and checking it twice, I’m trying to add a little intentionality to the season.
For me, that looks like:
- a handwritten note to encourage a friend who is struggling
- some extra time on the phone, to lend an ear to a family member
- allowing a young mom to step ahead of me in line at the store
There are so many other things I could do, but I’m just not thinking of them.
How do you intentionally bring Jesus into your gift giving? How do you keep Him at the center of the season?