Shopping for Christmas?
It’s almost Christmas! Have you started your Christmas shopping? When our kids were young, Mike and I did not want our family to be caught up in the materialism that surrounded the holidays. We wanted our children to understand the real meaning of Christmas. So my husband started chopping wood. To be more accurate, Mike cut a piece of wood into 2 x 4 blocks. I took out my red Sharpie marker and wrote bold words on the blocks. The words were a list of the gifts God gave us when He gave us Jesus. We wrapped the pieces of wood and placed them under the tree. Twelve days before Christmas, our children began excitedly unwrapping one individual block of wood a day, sharing the gift written on each block, and giving God thanks. Thirty years later, our family tradition continues. We unwrap all the blocks first thing on Christmas morning, spend time talking about the gifts and bless God as a family. It’s my favorite part of celebrating Christ’s birth.
With Christmas on the way, I have an important question. What special Christmas gift are you planning to give to someone this year? Is it a new video game, another kitchen gadget, the latest robotic invention, or perhaps another pair of cozy socks? Want a challenge? This year ditch the gift card and token box of chocolates. Instead, give someone a God-given treasure.
Imagine a gift that lasts forever? In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells His disciples, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
In summary, Jesus warned the disciples that the temporal gifts they invested here on earth would hold hostage their attention, time, and affections. We’ve all experienced an inner tug of war with material items that have captivated our hearts and distracted us from building relationships, accomplishing goals, and fulfilling our purpose. Jesus encourages us to invest in gifts that last forever. What are some of these heavenly treasures? Allow me to share two gifts that I plan on giving this year…
Forgiveness. Yup, I know it’s a biggie, but how can we expect the same gift from God if we are not willing to give it to others? It’s hard. In fact, it’s impossible without the grace of God. Once Mike and I were so deeply wounded, we didn’t know how we could ever move on. We cried out to God in our anger and pain. His abundant grace was poured out and he remarkably helped us to forgive. Now is the time to make that u-turn and surrender our pain, anger, and unforgiveness to God. In addition, let’s search our own hearts and see if we need to ask someone to forgive us for pain we’ve caused. Too often I say a casual “I’m sorry” without confessing my offense and asking for forgiveness. But sincere apologies require a recognition of where we fell short and a true heart change. The gift of forgiveness can only be given and received if it’s wrapped in humility.
Empathy. It’s a word seldom spoken, but a gift that should be on the bestseller list every year. Empathy is not just feeling sorry for someone and the hardship or pain they are experiencing; it’s actually stepping into their shoes. It’s understanding their pain, showing compassion, and perhaps even experiencing it with them. I will never forget a time long ago when I was grieving the death of my mother. A friend patiently listened to me, gently cupped my face in her hands, looked graciously into my eyes, and prayed for God to comfort me. I no longer felt alone in my grief; my friend understood my pain. Right now in the midst of a pandemic, there are so many that need this precious gift. The gift of empathy must be wrapped in compassion.
Forgiveness and empathy are just two of many treasures we can give as Christmas gifts this year. You don’t have to go shopping to get them, but you can make your requests known to God. Did I tell you He gives freely? James 1:17 says “Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of Lights…” This year let’s take a break from the material gifts so readily available and seek the gifts that will last forever. Will you receive the treasures He freely offers so you may bless others this Christmas season?
