Background
The Christmas season is an annual celebration celebrated in Christian communities around the world. It is a time for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God and since Christmas is a religious holiday, religious themes are often associated with it. Specifically, as Christmas is a religious holiday, it is important to consider what the Bible says about giving gifts at this time of year.
Overview
One of the most relevant Bible verses related to giving gifts at Christmas is found in the book of Acts. In this passage, it states Scripture: “Bear in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35). This verse emphasizes the importance of generosity, teaching us to give gifts to others with a cheerful heart in mind. Other Bible verses related to giving gifts for Christmas include Romans 12:8, which tells us to “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality,” and Hebrews 13:16, which encourages us to “do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased”. As these verses demonstrate, it is important for Christians to be generous at Christmas time and to give gifts to those in need.
What Can We Give?
While there isn’t a specific standard for what kinds of gifts we should give at Christmas, the Bible offers several general guidelines. For example, Proverbs 19:17 states that “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will reward him for what He has done”. This verse encourages us to give gifts that are beneficial and meaningful to the recipient. Additionally, Ecclesiastes 11:1 says “Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again”, suggesting that giving gifts to others is a way to invest in our future. Finally, Deuteronomy 15:7-8 tells us “If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs”. It is clear from these verses that we should give gifts that are meaningful, not necessarily expensive.
Why We Give Gifts
The Bible also offers advice on the motivations behind giving at Christmas. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said “It is better to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35), suggesting that we should give out of love and goodwill, without expecting something in return. Additionally, 1 Corinthians 13:3 states “If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing”. This verse reminds us that our motivation for giving should be out of love, not out of a desire to gain personal glory. Furthermore, the Bible encourages us to give gifts at Christmas as a way to honor Jesus. In Luke 2:22-24, it is written that “when the time came for the purification rites… they presented him to the Lord and offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the Law of the Lord: ‘a pair of doves or two young pigeons.’” This passage teaches us that, according to the Bible, we should give gifts at Christmas in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible offers wise advice and guidance on giving gifts for Christmas. It encourages us to give gifts that are meaningful to the recipients and to do so out of love and goodwill. Additionally, the Bible also encourages us to give gifts at Christmas in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ. By following these principles, Christians are able to approach the Christmas season in a spirit of generosity and love.
Further Considerations: The Meaning Behind the Gift
Christmas, while an important Christian observance, has the potential to take on very materialistic qualities during the holiday season. It’s easy to get swept up in the hype of the season and in buying the most expensive and sought after gifts, without keeping in mind why we are actually giving them. The Bible offers guidance on the mindset that should be behind gift-giving, reminding us that it is ultimately about conveying love to another. Ephesians 4:32 instructs us to “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you,” while 1 John 4:8-12 reminds us to “beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. … If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” As 1 Corinthians 13:13-14 tells us,”So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” Many people give gifts in the season of Christmas, but it should ultimately be done out of love for the other person and to honor the birth of Jesus Christ.
Further Considerations: Being Unified in Mission
Giving at Christmas should also help unify our mission as believers in Christ. As we give to honor Jesus Christ’s birth and to love our fellow human beings, we should be on a mission to share our faith in Jesus Christ and glorify God. As Jesus Christ said in Mark 16:15, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Through our giving, we should collectively and individually choose to live our lives in such a way that it brings God glory and honors His name.
Further Considerations: Practical Ideas for Giving
When it comes to giving gifts, practicality is key. Our giving should be focused on being useful and meaningful, as demonstrated in Proverbs 19:17, which states “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” This verse emphasizes the importance of giving practical items like food or needed clothing, or volunteering our time to help those in need. In line with this, we can think about giving gifts that will be put to practical use throughout the season or which are meaningful symbols of our faith.
Further Considerations: Hindering Factors to Giving
It is easy to get overwhelmed and caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season that can become a barrier to giving gifts. We are taught in God’s Word that we should be generous with our possessions (Proverbs 11:24), but when practial challenges arise it can be hard to share generously. Whether it’s physical distance, budget constraints, or feelings of anxiety, it is sometimes hard to be obedient to the commands of the Bible in this season. When these barrier stand in our way of giving, we must take a step back and rely on God’s grace and mercy. Philippians 4:13 states that “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” and Psalm 121:2 reminds us that “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” We must remember that despite the challenges that can arise, God equips us to be obedient and faithful stewards and to honor Him through our generosity and grace-filled giving.
