Gift Giving
Learning what true Christmas gift giving is all about

    Christmas is a time for the exchange gifts. When I hear that statement, two thoughts enter my mind. First, normally we give gifts to those who give us gifts in return. Is that what Christmas is all about?  Two thousand years ago, God gave us a gift - Jesus, born in Bethlehem. The Bible tells it was a gift motivated by a love that expected nothing in return. “For God so love the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16 NKJV) Secondly, the focus of the opening statement is upon material gifts. Not all gifts fit into this category. Gifts of love are not always material, for love motivates acts of kindness and a sacrifice of time.
    There are many shut-ins who are sick, unable to get around or in financial difficulty without any immediate family to help them. They need someone to share with them a gift(s) of love. A gift(s) of love can be a visit, running an errand, washing or sweeping the floor, cooking a meal, or any other acts (use your imagination) of kindness. In so doing, you will be called to sacrificially share with them your greatest commodity during the holiday season - time. Your satisfaction will come in knowing you gave to someone without expecting something in return. Who knows, the smile you see on their face will be a Christmas gift you will never forget. 

"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love..." Romans 12:10a NKJV

“...but through love serve one another." Galatians 5:13b NKJV