Why do we give gifts: Christmas meaning of giving
Right now many people are scrambling and rushing about trying to get the “perfect” gift for that special someone for Christmas. Expectations are high and everyone wants to find unique gifts at Christmas time to outdo, outspend and impress other people.
What if we stopped?
What is the meaning of gifts at Christmas anyway?
Gifts are given and not deserved. They are never earned. On Christmas, you receive the gift of the baby Jesus despite how naughty or nice you were during the year.
Parts of a Gift: The giver, the receiver and the gift itself.
A true gift is given without any expectations from the receiver. The receiver doesn’t expect a gift and often doesn’t deserve it. The giver gives without expecting anything in return. No payback, no bribes are intended, no quid pro quo.
There is nothing for the receiver to say or do other than thanks. Get it, nothing.
Isn’t that wonderful!!!
A true gift gives back with the thanks received and the joy returned by the receiver. Think about it.
What was the best gift you ever gave to someone? It probably was a surprise, unexpected, something you thought about long and hard. You gave it at the right time, at the right place, you didn’t expect anything in return and it was accepted with pure joy. A smile, a hug, and sincere thanks made it all worth worthwhile.
God gave us that one very big, impressive, one of a kind gift.
Jesus Christ is HIS gift to the world. He is God’s gift to us and all we have to do is accept it. We don’t have to do anything for it, we don’t have to “repay” one gift with another.
That is how we should give and receive Christmas gifts this year.
Advent Devotional Readings: Wednesday, 2nd Week Advent
Daily Lectionary
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- Higher Things: Dare to Be Lutheran – Wednesday 2nd Week Advent
- Trinity Lutheran Church: Second Sunday of Advent Sermon (listen to audio here)
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