“It is more blessed to give than to receive”, Acts 20:35.
Christmas is the most beautiful and wonderful time of the year, and it’s right around the corner.
Have you already made up your mind about what presents you will get? Have you started stressing about it already?
First and foremost, calm down. I am here to remind you that Christmas is about joy and encourage you to make your Christmas shopping experience this year fun, joyful and meaningful.
Christmas is not about physical presents we think we must give; it’s about the most important present God has given us - His Son Jesus and the joy and hope that comes with Him.
There’s joy in the giving because it reflects God’s love for us. Made in His image, we are wired to give too, with a joyful and loving heart of God.
If you are a believer and your faith is the core of who you are, make this year's Christmas presents meaningful. May they reflect your faith and your love for others.
Be practical. Buy something that your family and friends will both need and enjoy each day.
Give something that will point out them to the Lord Jesus, who is the true reason for the season.
Here is the list of ideas of Christmas presents you might find useful for your own Christmas shopping experience. You will find a MEANING in each of them.
CANDLES. They are the source of both light and joy. I love scent candles that smell good without even being lit up. They look great as a piece of decor in every room including bathrooms! You can find candles in almost any store for a very affordable price depending on the size. MEANING: a candle reminds us of the source of light and joy Jesus was born to become for us.
A BIBLE. I love Bibles. I love them in different colors, designs and versions. The Bible is God’s Word (John 1:1) and giving it as a present to someone who is a believer would be a very thoughtful and meaningful gesture. Besides, if someone likes making notes in their Bible, a new one would be a great present for them. MEANING: Jesus is the Word. There could never be enough of Him in our lives.
A DEVOTIONAL BOOK. There's something about books that make them a great present. When it comes to Christmas, a devotional book would be a great option. While devotionals are never supposed to be a substitute to God’s Word (!), they can be a beautiful addition to it for each day or season of life. MEANING: we need to be encouraged by other believers and reminded of God’s love. What God has done for others inspires and strengthens our own faith, and a devotional book can do just that.
A PLANNER. Let’s be honest, not all of us love planning even though we acknowledge that we need to do that. Planning doesn’t necessarily mean we are turning into control freaks (if that scares you). In fact, it helps us be more efficient, keeping all our tasks, complete and incomplete, visible to us, and is supposed to make our lives easier. If someone you have decided to buy a planner for doesn’t usually use it, trust me they might. They will be thankful, trust me. MEANING: Jesus is love and this gift is your loving contribution to making a receiver’s life easier, more productive, better organized and more content.
A MUG. Who doesn’t need a mug? There’s no such thing as enough mugs! I love having mugs for different seasons and occasions. They make our lives a little more fun, don't they?! Christmas is the season when you can bring some joy to people you love by getting them a mug with their favorite verse, or a quote. Fill it with a coffee package or candy and it will make a fantastic and, at the same time, affordable present. MEANING: coffee and Jesus make the best start of each day.
A BLANKET. It’s a great present, especially if you live in a cold climate. Honestly, I live in Costa Rica where one will never see snow, but having a blanket as a present would make me happy anyway, because it’s a blanket! Depending on the type of it, a blanket can be a great decor piece in a living room, as well as a warm and cozy “helper” in cold weather. MEANING: it means care, warmth and comfort - exactly what JESUS brings to our hearts.
PICTURE FRAMED BIBLE VERSE. This would be one of my favorite Christmas presents. I love everything about Jesus, and having Bible verses around me gives me such joy, peace and strength. I am sure there will be someone else feeling the same way about our Lord. Maybe that’s your friend or a family member? Maybe it would be a perfect Christmas present with the meaning for them this year. Amazon is the best place to look for it; you can find different styles of frames and background colors and, more importantly, loved by all scriptures. MEANING: a home is our physical shelter and a place we go to to rest; God’s Word is our fortress and our refuge with Jesus as the guard of our hearts.
What do you think about this Christmas gift giving list? Did you see anything you would consider getting for people you love?
Whatever your gift choice will be this Christmas, just remember that it is not about presents, but our loving and giving. It’s about the most precious gift we have received from our Creator. It’s about Jesus.
Sharing your love, your testimony and your hope in Jesus can become unforgettable Christmas gift of all.
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