Getting More Out of Christmas

A few days before Christmas, some of us will still do the last minute Christmas shopping.  Many are weary of shopping because the store merchants began urging us to start buying our gifts and treats long before Thanksgiving.  Some purposely wait up to the last minute in the hopes of getting in on some sales. 

At any rate, Christmas shopping gets out of hand, does it not?  Many of us spend too much and are left with big bills to pay after Christmas.  Perhaps we even have to give less to the church and to missions this month because we have overspent or we “might” overspend during Christmas.  

First of all, most children receive far too many gifts.  Perhaps we can buy fewer gifts for our own children and buy gifts for some less fortunate children whose parents cannot buy them gifts.  You may be surprised at the pleasure and the blessing your children will gain from this activity.  

Do you have friends who are single who will be alone for the holidays?  Perhaps there is a widower and widow you know who will spend Christmas Eve alone while we and everyone else is feasting in our own happy ways.  You will be blessed if you buy one less gift for your self in order to buy a gift for someone who is lonely.  

Perhaps you could share your Christmas with a refugee family who will be all alone in a strange land for Christmas.  

Most cities have large numbers of street people who have no home.  It is a rewarding experience to buy gifts of food and clothing for such people and to deliver the packages to distribution center. 

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As you read this, I am certain that many of you will be thinking of other ways that you can make people happy for the holidays.  The main thing to remember is that we do have enough to share with others. 

The great motivation for our giving gifts to others should stem from an understanding of how great a salvation we have received.  If we take time to reflect on the wonderful gift that Jesus Christ has given to us, we will want to give to others.  Giving is a way of thanking God for our great salvation.  As we learn how to be more generous in our giving, we will know that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).