When you hear the word "Christmas" what comes to your mind?
- Holiday rush?
- Who to get presents for?
- Do I have enough money to get nice presents?
This post takes the viewpoint that the work of Jesus is the genuine meaning of Christmas. However, if a person accepts that gift giving is a part of culture, then the following are some applicable Biblical quotes to help you cope with the holiday.
Is is about more than just the value of the gift that is given.
1. "I assure you, this poor widow has given more than all the others have given. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has." - Mark 12: 41-44. * Although people might give more expensive gifts than you the gift you give can still be worthwhile.
2. "He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor." - Esther 9:22
* While a person is giving gifts it is important for them to remember and include the poor.
3. "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7
* God works through people. The gift you think someone won't like could be the one they do.
It is about HOW you give.
1. "Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given." - 2 Corinthians 9:5.
* An inexpensive gift given genuinely is worth more than an expensive one given with a grudge.
2. “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” - Genesis 50:15
* It is important to remember giving gifts does not make up for the sins we have committed.
3. "Leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. - Matthew 4:24
* It goes back to giving gifts grudgingly.
Under it all it is still the gifts are about Jesus
1. What will you do on the day of your appointed festivals, on the feast days of the Lord? (Hosea 9:5)
* The context of this verse is God is not asking you to sacrifice and give more than you are able to.
2. Though they offer sacrifices as gifts to me, and though they eat the meat, the Lord is not pleased with them.- Hosea 8:13
* God is not happy just with the giving of gifts, but cares about the context of the relationship with the person.
3. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. - 1 Corinthians 1:7 Physical gifts do not make up for spiritual gifts. They are more symbolic.
So, what can we glean from these passages?
The value of gifts consists of more than the money spent on them.
Do you feel unburdened?
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