Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus. December 25 is not the day He was born but the date chosen to celebrate His birth. Jesus’ exact date of birth is unknown. Christmas is a Holy Day, not a holiday. But when we look at how Christmas is celebrated, do we see many holy things or activities?
The symbols we see in abundance are Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen, and Christmas trees. Rarely can we find holy symbols of Jesus’ birth that remind us that Jesus is the reason for the season.
A popular activity in the Christmas season is attending multiple parties. Friends, family members, jobs, clubs, groups, and organizations you belong to host Christmas parties. Is Jesus the guest of honor at these parties?
Is the main activity of the season going to church or giving our talent, time, and treasures to those who really are in need? No, it’s buying gifts for everyone we know—family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, clergy, the mailman, the garbage man, cat, dog, etc., mainly with credit cards, hoping for reciprocation. From Black Friday to Cyber Monday this year, billions were spent online. In today’s uncertain economic climate, does our discretionary income allow us to meet regular financial obligations and buy gifts for multiple people at the same time? New flash, if you buy items at a sale price but have to pay credit card interest on your purchases, you probably are not saving any any money!
Are we really celebrating the birth of Jesus? Do we celebrate a loved one’s birthday by buying gifts for everyone we know and giving or attending several parties for them? A loved one’s birthday is usually celebrated by giving that person a gift, taking them out, or giving or attending one birthday party in their honor!
There’s nothing wrong with giving. God is a great giver. He gave us Jesus so that we can have eternal life.1 He gives us all that we need 2and when Jesus went back to heaven, He gave us the Holy Spirit.3 We were created in God’s image4, therefore, we, too, have the capacity to be great givers.
Since we are celebrating the birth of Jesus and freely giving out gifts, shouldn’t we give Jesus a gift? What will you give Jesus this Christmas? We can give to Him by giving to one other. God has given each of us talent, treasures and time, which He expects us to give and share.5
Everyone has something they can give and share with others. God has given every believer at least one special ability. 6 We can use our God-given abilities to be a blessing to others. Some sing, some prophecy, some teach, some preach, some have a special ability to heal or help others, some to show mercy and compassion, and some to lead.7 God has also given us treasures, talents, and time to share with one other.8
How and to whom should we give? The Bible declares we should give willingly9 and cheerfully 10 to those who are poor, 11 those who ask,12 those who cannot reciprocate,13 and to our enemies. Giving to an enemy turns him into a friend! 14
Let’s put Christ back into our Christmas celebrations by giving to those who are in need. Let’s bring joy to those in institutions by visiting and singing Christmas carols! Let’s teach the story of Jesus’ birth to children in our neighborhood! Let’s give gifts to a homeless family! Let’s donate money to a charity instead of having a grab bag at work! Let’s babysit for a single mother who cannot afford a sitter! Let’s take a senior citizen, handicapped, or an ill person shopping or to the doctor! Let’s invite friends, neighbors, or co-workers to go to church with us! Let’s invite a one-parent child to a show this Christmas season!
The Bible says we will be blessed when we give.15 God has promised we will receive when we give.16 When we give to the poor, God considers it a loan to Himself and He says He’ll repay the loan and will bless, deliver, and protect us.17
Since Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’ birth, what will you give Jesus to celebrate His birth? The greatest gift you can give Him is your heart. It’s easy as A, B, C. If you have not accepted Jesus as Saviour and Lord, please pray the following prayer sincerely from your heart! 18
Dear God,
Thank you for loving me and giving me the greatest gift of all, your son Jesus. I ADMIT that I am a sinner and need a Saviour. I BELIEVE Jesus died on the cross in my place for my sins. I CONFESS Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. Thank you Lord for saving me!
Welcome to the family of God! I pray God will lead you to a Bible-believing, Bible-teaching church of His choice where you can fellowship with other Christians, grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and discover God’s purpose and plan for your life!
1 John 3:16 2 Phil. 4:19 3 John 14:16 4 Gen. 1:7 5 Luke 12:48b 6 Rom 12:6-8 7 Eph. 4:11-12 8 Luke 6:38 9 1Chron 29:9 10 2 Cor. 9:7 11 Deu. 5:11 12 Matt. 5:42 13 Luke 14:12-14 14 Prov. 25:21-22 15 Acts 20:35b 16 Prov. 11:25 17 Ps. 41:1-3 18 Rom.10:9-10
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