I can hardly believe we are in December! It seems impossible that Christmas is almost here, but here we are.
I love this time of year. I love Christmas, and I love giving—not just at Christmas, but throughout the year.
While I know Christmas is not solely about giving, in many ways, it is.
God loved each one of us so much that He gave everything He had—His only begotten Son and all that comes with Him. What a privileged people we are! He is and will always be the greatest gift of all.
I have a picture hanging above my fireplace that says, “Simplify Christmas – Celebrate Christ.” These words are what I choose to remember each year, and this year, they resonate even more.
Although I love the lights and decorations of Christmas, most years I decorate early and begin celebrating the wonderful birth of our Lord Jesus Christ sooner than usual. I often finish my shopping early to allow myself to truly enjoy the season and honor Christ, our glorious King. Not so this year.
At one point, I believed I was done, but then God began to speak to me about giving this year. He instructed me to select gifts for a list of people whom I don’t typically give gifts to, wanting them to know how special they are. So, I went shopping again and found gifts for each person on His list.
Proverbs 11:24-25 says, One gives freely yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
1 Peter 4:10 says, Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
One freely gives and yet grows richer in doing so. This is what I experienced while searching for the perfect gift for each person on His list. I felt enriched and nourished by the pure joy of giving and blessing others.
Once that task was completed, He continued to speak to me about the importance of giving. It seemed that everywhere I turned, there were needs to be addressed. But God is faithful; He always provides a way for those needs to be met, as long as we are willing to be His vessel.
It is God who instills the desire to give in our hearts. The impulse to give comes from the same place as love and kindness. I have learned that the more I seek God and grow closer to Him, the more I feel compelled to help others.
This is the essence of Jesus Christ’s message. God loves us so deeply that He gave. Similarly, we should love others so much that it drives us to give. We ought to love God and His people to the extent that when He prompts us to bless others, we don’t hesitate; we simply obey. We should carry out this obedience with joy and excitement, anticipating the impact our gift will have on the recipient.
I don’t know what Christmas means to you. For some people, it only brings stress, but it shouldn’t be that way. We should give from our hearts. Gifts don’t have to cost money; we can share a smile, provide a hot meal, or simply sit and visit one another. Loving each other is the best gift we can give.
I love surprises—don’t you? Can you imagine the joy when someone receives an unexpected gift that comes straight from the heart of God? I can, and it brings me great happiness! I believe it also brings joy to God.
This year, as you celebrate Christmas, take a moment to make your list and check it twice. However, also remember to ask God what He would like you to do. Inquire about who He wants you to bless. Perhaps there is someone to whom you should give a gift in His honor—if so, go ahead and do it. I assure you that you will be enriched through this act of giving. Honoring others through your generosity is a powerful principle. The Christmas season is an excellent opportunity to acknowledge those who have positively impacted your life throughout the year. It’s a wonderful time to show them that you care about and appreciate the gifts they have freely given to you.
May you each have a Merry & Blessed Christmas month! May Christ pour out His goodness on you as you celebrate Him. Keep Him as the center of your home this holiday season…and as the center of your heart.
We are believing God that you will finish strong this year and begin the new year with joy unspeakable and full of His glory. In your home, in your body, in your family and in your finances. To God be all the glory!
Simplify Christmas – celebrate Christ. Bring Him glory this month! And let all you do be done in love. For after all…He IS love.
