You Are The Gift

One of the biggest questions right now is, “Do you have all your shopping done?” We hear it all the time. And on occasion I hear someone say, “I’m all finished my Christmas shopping.” With less than a week away, you need to know that time is running out. If you are still out there somewhere in commercialization of Christmas land, let me give you five tips on finishing your shopping. You can keep asking yourself what can you give everyone, but let’s think outside the box. Sometimes you can give people a gift that costs little or nothing at all? Here are my ideas but you can continue to explore this for a few more minutes.
We can always give people time. It’s setting aside our agenda. It can be as little as making a phone call or going to have a visit. Ask someone over for tea. Sit in the livingroom that never gets used (after all it is called a livingroom) and just spend time together. Go visit the seniors, but not just in the Christmas season. Make it a habit for the whole year.
We can give away things we make. Get the grand kids over to make some cookies. Then go and give them away. Make it a game to see how many of the cookies you made actually go to someone other than those who made them. Can you give every cookie away?
We can give something we own already. Hold on. I’m not talking about re-gifting here. Even though that works sometimes. I’m talking about knowing someone who could use something that you have that you don’t use or need anymore. We all talk about downsizing, and de-cluttering. Do it. Not as a Christmas present, but just to give things away.
How about getting a gift card from Horton’s, Wendy’s, McDonald’s, or wherever. But include with the card, you going with them to have lunch together, or just a coffee?
We all have to go for groceries, how about a morning out going together for groceries. Take someone along who are not be able to get out on their own, or someone without a car. I see so many people coming out of No Frill’s who call a cab.
These are just a few of the ideas I came up with in a matter of minutes. Find the one that speaks to you and moves you to do something for someone that is not only a gift to them, but a gift to yourself.
I believe all of these ideas, and so many more are all about giving others our heart. This past Sunday was our Advent Sunday of Love. We lit the third candle and realized that more light brightens our world and we have the distinct pleasure of seeing love in others and maybe, just maybe in ourselves.
It’s all about giving to others the heart of Jesus that He gave us. “The greatest of these is LOVE.” It is in you to give. When we give it away, we have more to give. GIVE it a try.
This coming Sunday will be our Advent Sunday of Joy. The joy we receive in knowing Jesus in all our days is so very important. Find Him this Christmas. And on His birthday, give Him your heart.
Something to think about.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Loving New Year.
Rob