Dec 11th, 2021: Gift Giving

 

Giving gifts is both fun and painful. It is a tradition at Christmas time. It is either a time to truly express our appreciation for someone or to meet some form of expectation. What we hear from people at this time of the year is: "I have not even started shopping for gifts" or "I have not finished". It is always an intriguing experience watching husbands or fathers rushing on Christmas Eve Day to get gift shopping done.


What kinds of gifts are we hoping for when we know that we don't really need anything? Things come and go in this life, and we know that.


Gifts of relationships: meaningful relationships can bring about tremendous experiences in life. It is a gift of understanding, acceptance, acknowledgement, and being together. It can be an expression of God's care and comfort to us. That brings hope and joy.


Gifts of time: we can buy things for one another, but we cannot buy time. Time is precious as we get older. We just have more to worry about, and sometimes we either misuse time or fail to prioritize our time with people. Whoever means a lot to our lives should have our time.


Gifts of acceptance: People are screaming for it nowadays. Maybe we have confused between acceptance and agreement. We have the right to disagree with one another, but we don't have the right to disregard each other. Acceptance is an act of grace. Being gracious is not an option for those who claim to receive the Grace of God.


What kinds of gifts are you preparing to give this Christmas? To whom?


Proverbs 11: 24-25

"One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered."

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