As the holiday season progresses, I am feeling the pressure of the gift exchange at the office. I also want to be a good neighbor by giving my special friends a token of remembrance and goodwill for being so kind to us. I find that we are being bombarded with commercials and advertisements about where to buy the best gifts. We observed Black Friday and Cyber Monday by scouring the stores and the internet for the best deals. Many of us may wonder how we will be able to show appreciation for the people we love and those whom we wish to acknowledge like the pastor, the postal carrier, the hairdresser, and our coworkers. However, I think we may still have time to find reasonably priced gifts that show some thought. We hope our family and friends will like what we have given them, even if it is a token envelope with some cash. We still have a little over a week before Christmas officially arrives.
According to Dictionary.com, a gift is “something given voluntarily without payment in return, as to show favor toward someone, honor an occasion, or make a gesture of assistance; a present.” A gift can also be an act (of giving) or a special talent, ability or endowment. There are several passages in the scriptures which refer to expensive and valuable items such as jewelry made from precious metals, foods flavored with oils and spices, as well as money. These were gifts for special occasions or the means for making an introduction. Some things, including livestock, were used as offerings to God. The birth narrative in the bible (Matthew 2:11) described wise men who were looking for a leader, bringing very unusual gifts to the baby Jesus (gold, frankincense, and myrrh). These atypical gifts symbolized the roles that Jesus was to fulfill: king, spiritual leader, and sacrifice for the sins of humanity.
All of us can give gifts. All of us have something of value to give. Even though we all have commitments and needs, we can still find the time and resources to select gifts that express our love. No one should feel obligated to give. What matters is that giving comes from a willing heart. Most people appreciate being thought of. Even making things to eat, giving small tokens, or spending time with a person you love will help to foster the spirit of holiday giving, which can be more meaningful than getting the trendiest gift. Giving out of your love and concern creates warm holiday feelings which will last more than a moment. They will last a lifetime. I have learned how to find ways to creatively give gifts to others during the holiday. It makes me so happy to show my care for others when the gifts are accepted. This is how we bless each other. My prayer for all of us is that we may be alert to the gifts and opportunities we have for blessing others and for sharing those gifts with cheerful hearts during the holiday season.
