Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before Him with joyful songs.
Psalm 100:2 (HCSB)
Series: Hope for the Holidays
As a child, I tried to give every member of my family a gift at Christmas. I’d color pictures, make cards, work on crafts, and find forgotten or overlooked treasures both indoors and out. Giving these simple gifts probably meant more to me than to my siblings and parents. It warmed my heart to give something to them to express just how grateful I was for each one of them.
Some of those rudimentary gifts were flops and super embarrassing—like the year I wrapped up a book from the bookshelf for my brother, that was already his. Oops! (Sorry, Jay!) Other presents were kept for years after and rediscovered when Mom and Dad shared their files of keepsakes. One of those saved tokens was a handmade coupon book full of offerings of service, including a hug, a back rub, folding laundry, cooking dinner, and the sort.
Ah, the stress of finding the perfect gift for each person, and having the means to fund it all… It can zap the peace, hope, and joy right from us! For years, these song lyrics seemed to be my mantra during the holiday season: “What can I give him, poor as I am…” How do we hold onto the Hope this season brings, let alone share it with others, when we are overwhelmed with the unrealistic expectations we put on ourselves?
The answer to this burning question lies within each of us. It’s a matter of the heart. The root of wanting to give blooms from a desire to honor and cherish those whom we love. It’s a beautiful reflection of the heart of God.
“For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 HCSB)
God loved us, and so He gave. The gift of His Son, our Savior, is the most treasured gift of all! Anything we ever give in our entire lifetimes will pale in comparison. But we aren’t to compare our gifts with His, nor even with one another, or from season to season. We simply give because we love—just like our Father in heaven.
The presents we give and receive may be material items. But they do not have to be. As we consider the gift of God’s Son to the world, let’s look a little deeper and pull back some layers of this extraordinary gift. Through Jesus, God provided a gift of:
- His presence. No longer separated, we gain the privilege of entering the holy of holies. (Hebrews 10:19)
- Assurance. Every promise is Yes! and Amen! in Christ Jesus. (2 Corinthians 1:20)
- Peace. He is our peace and has broken down every wall of separation. (Ephesians 2:14)
- Forgiveness. The price of our sins is paid for once and for all. (1 John 2:2)
- Power. His Holy Spirit dwells within the heart of every believer. (John 14:17)
- Light. He is the Light of the world and darkness cannot overcome it. (John 1:5)
- Hope. We have an inheritance in His everlasting kingdom. (1 Peter 1:3)
- Love. His love is shed abroad in our hearts. (Romans 5:5)
None of these “things” God gave through Jesus are material things found online, bought at a store, or delivered to our doors. They are gifts of service and character: presence, faithfulness, encouragement, compassion, and love. That is the exact nature of our God! In Mark 10:45 (NASB), Jesus said:
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
God gave Jesus. Jesus gave Himself. And His love, His nature, His light is abundantly poured into our hearts so that we, too, can give as He gave. Reframe what it looks like to find the perfect gift for others. It doesn’t have to be wrapped up in beautiful paper and tied with extravagant bows—well unless you put that big bow on your own head!
The very best gift you can give others is yourself. Be present. Visit the lonely. Send a card and pray for the sick. Take a meal to a shut-in. Sing carols in the neighborhood with friends. Serve at a soup kitchen with your family. Fix something that’s broken for someone. Open your home for a cookie exchange. Be a listening ear to the hurting. Be faithful and true to your word. At your gathering, allow space for each one to share a favorite memory. Make coupon books for others with gifts of service.
There are so many ways to give that require little to no money. Giving the gift of yourself in service to others will surpass any store-bought item. I’m reminded of the Neil Diamond song lyrics, “Turn on your heart-light. Let it shine wherever you go. Let it make a happy glow for all the world to see.”
May our hearts glow this season with the light and love and hope of Jesus. May we give as He gave, loving one another as He loves us. And as we consider all the giving we intend to do this season, may we recognize the gift of ourselves is the best gift of all. As the song goes, “What can I give Him? Give Him my heart.”
Holding Fast to Hope,
Maryann
Scripture References: Psalm 100:2; John 1:5, 3:16, 14:17; Hebrews 10:19; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Ephesians 2:14; 1 John 2:2; 1 Peter 1:3; Romans 5:5; Mark 10:45
