What Gift Will You Choose?

Sadly, our society has skipped from Halloween to Christmas in one grandiose swoop of commercialism. This year the Black Friday crowds were down 11%. In part, economists tell us this is the result of stores being open on Thanksgiving and starting Black Friday sales even a week early. In the past, the Thanksgiving holiday was originally for family and gratitude. Now it has become a strategic planning session for Black Friday sales (.....or even a chance to get to sales instores opening Thanksgiving evening).

I will admit, years ago, I was not immune to the lure of the great bargain. In that particular year my husband and I thought we would treat my mother-in-law to a portable CD player. We thought it would be a great way for her to reminisce over days of old while she played CD’s of big band greats, the Rat Pack, and other favorites from her past. Standing in cashier lines, snaking around the store, we were confident she would be pleased with the purchase. In the end, she never quite got the gist of the system and we doubt she ever touched it in our absence.

For many, Christmas has become a way to snatch up great bargains for loved ones or themselves. There is such a huge focus on buying, wrapping, mailing and distributing gifts that the true meaning of the season is often overlooked.

One way I’ve tried to refocus my gifting is to remember the real reason for the season.....the birth of the baby Jesus who came to save us. We see stickers and posters reminding us to ‘Keep Christ in Christmas’ but is that more than a nice logo? Do we actually seek Him in all the hustle and bustle of the season?

In recent years I’ve looked upon the season with new eyes. While still planning on gifts for loved ones, I have to remember at some point to ‘gift’ Jesus; after all we are celebrating His birthday!!!!

This year, while you are planning your shopping lists and store routes, keep in mind a gift for the baby Jesus. Perhaps you can find the time in your busy schedule to write one more card. Write a Christmas card to that person in your life that has hurt you in the past but you have forgiven. Let them know that they are in your mind this blessed season. (This is also a gift to the baby Jesus.)

Or perhaps you could pick up one (or two) angel tree tags at church and buy a requested gift for someone that needs a little extra help or attention this holidayseason. This complete stranger will never know you personally but they will know of your compassion. (This is also a gift to the baby Jesus.)

Remember the elderly. Our society focuses entirely too much on youthful appearances and sadly ignores the elderly and infirmed. Even a brief visit to a nursing home or sending a small package or Christmas card to the homebound can lift a person’s spirit abundantly. (This is also a gift to the baby Jesus.)

Feed the hungry. Remember your neighbor that rarely cooks because they are a caregiver to an ailing loved one and don’t have time to care for themselves. Present them with a food ‘care package’. This could be as simple as giving them leftovers from one of your home-cooked meals, a loaf of banana bread, some packaged oatmeal or assorted fruits. You do not have to be a gourmet cook to show compassion in this matter. (This is also a gift to the baby Jesus.)

..... ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:40)

This Christmas season put the focus back on gifting in perspective. And while remembering loved ones near and far, remember the ultimate ‘Loved One’, the Christ-child who came for YOU! What gift will you give Him this Christmas?