The Christmas Gifts That Money Couldn’t Buy!

---

All year long as the holiday drew nearer, I continued to procrastinate on purchasing gifts. I couldn’t decide if I was going to do much, or do little. My hearts desire is always to live a lifestyle of giving, to see a need, and be able to meet it. To have much compassion for those that are hurting, and doing everything in my power to lighten the burden. After all, that’s what the Lord is ever-faithful in doing for us, right?

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV

So, the decision was made- I would do much, just as I had always done. Regardless of what others thought my intentions were, I knew that my ultimate goal was to bring joy to the lives of others. You see, I don’t give so that I will receive in return, (though that is most definitely a biblical principle), I don’t give to receive recognition from the public eye, (because the Bible says that our reward will be stored up in heaven), and I assure you that I don’t give just because I’m called to— I do it because I genuinely LOVE others the way that Christ loves me! He has been far greater to me than what I deserve, or what my works could ever earn! As a result, of His goodness to me, I yearn to be a blessing to others!

---

As I was wrapping the final gifts and placing them under my tree a very short time ago, I caught myself gazing in awe! I wasn’t astonished by the spread of “things” wrapped up, the size of the tree, or even the countless decorations on and around it! I was simply taken aback by His goodness- His faithfulness. I believe that it’s safe to say that we know gifts aren’t why we celebrate Christmas; we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ of course! However, there truly is something about this time of year that draws the “giving spirit” out in us. We long to be in the presence of family, friends, and those we love. We tend to give more than we normally would, and we see most everything as “merry and bright”! This is the way it’s supposed to be, right? After all, it’s CHRISTMAS- the season of giving. Christ even loved so much that He gave (John 3:16)!

But, can I be honest and tell you, alrhoigh great joy would be brought to my heart by partaking in giving gifts to those that I loved, it wouldn’t bring me fulfillment. The very things that I desired to find under my tree this year couldn’t be given through financial prosperity. The reconciliation of broken relationships within my family couldn’t be purchased. No amount of money could bring back those friends and family members who passed on before we were ready. The miracle of conception resulting in a precious announcement—yah, no money could buy that either. Sobriety for those that I cried out for in prayer all year long couldn’t come to life through monetary gifts either! I’m certain that many of you can relate.

We must be mindful of those around us, for we never know their situation! Though they may have a multitude of gifts to give, their hearts may be lacking the things in which they desire. On the contrary, the space under their tree may be empty, but their needs and wants may have already been met. We just never know the situation of others, so always be kind!

My dear friends, if the cravings of your heart this Christmas season couldn’t be purchased and placed under your tree, I encourage you to give anyway! Give if you have much or give out of your lack! Give, all the while trusting that God sees all, and knows all! Ultimately, He is the giver of all good things! For some of you, that desire may not be something wrapable. The need may be peace, it may be joy, it could even be an attainable freedom! I guess what I am trying to say here is, no matter what the need and/or desire might be, there is nothing, and I mean NOTHING, in this world that can bring complete satisfaction to our souls other than Jesus Christ.

Stop wrestling with the decision of whether or not to serve Him! It’s the best decision you will ever make!

Merry Christmas-

---

In His Grip,

Sarah Abernathy