Gifts to give Jesus at Christmas
It’s Jesus’ BIRTHDAY! Have you ever paused and thought about why we GET gifts on Jesus’ birthday rather than giving him gifts? It dawned on me this year that I wanted to be more intentional about giving specific gifts to Jesus during this season. What do you get the King of kings? Here are a few ideas of birthday gifts to give Jesus at Christmas.
Gifts to give Jesus
Thankfulness List
Under the tree wrap a box with a list of at least ten things you are thankful for from this year. While 2020 has been one for the record books there were still so many things to be grateful for. Just to name a few of my own: extra time with family during the lockdown, activewear became acceptable almost in any setting, remote working for my husband, and I met more neighbors this year than ever.
Memorize a new Bible verse
Don’t underestimate how this can not only bless you but pleases God. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. - John 15:7 Commit to memorizing one new passage of scripture. As a bonus pray that God would reveal a specific one that you will NEED in 2021...it’s like getting a jump on New Year’s Goals.
Start or increase your tithe or giving
If you don’t regularly give a tithe (10%) to your local church this is a great time to start. This is a challenge to anyone and it was to me early in my walk with Jesus. It feels like a lot of money at first. I can testify that my husband and I have been faithful to give regularly for over 15 years. God has never let us go without food, shelter, and clothing even when we had nothing. God’s promise to those that tithe:
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing, That there will not be room enough to receive it.” - (Malachi 3:10 NIV)
Share a story how God blessed you
Did you know that you go through trials so that you can share how you overcame with others? Sharing your stories about how God is working in your life helps others AND they glorify God. Become a Jesus’ marketing associate this Christmas and share what good things he has done for you this year.
Volunteer
So many organizations need committed volunteers to be successful. Research a local shelter, food bank, hospital, care home, even a youth center could use you! If you are a member of a local church and you are not yet serving on a team this is a GREAT gift to give Jesus. Be a greeter on a door, help setting up, or if you want triple bonus points in heaven SERVE IN KIDS MINISTRY!
Commit to prayer
This is a specific gift. Whether you agree to pray for a friend, a cause, or the nation make this a specific prayer that you will pray throughout the month of December. The key to making this a gift is to sacrifice the time and attention to do it more than once. Prayer is powerful and it blesses Jesus when we present our requests to him.
Make a meal
If you are gifted in the kitchen consider making a meal for a family. It doesn’t have to be a family in need necessarily. It could be a friend who just moved, had a baby, has an aging parent, or anyone that seems stressed and could use a night off from cooking. If your talents don’t involve anything near a kitchen, order a pizza party!
Repent
There is nothing more beautiful to God than a repentant heart. In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. (Luke 15:10 NIV) Take time to ask God to reveal anything that you need to say you are sorry for during this year. Whatever comes to mind submit to Jesus. This is a gift that will give back, I guarantee.
Donate blankets and coats
The winter is brutal for so many families and people who are financially insecure. Onewarmcoat.org is one organization that helps to get warm coats to people in need. Either donate to one of these or find a local chapter or charity.
Jesus describes how we are to serve one another:
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ (Matthew 25:34-36 NIV)
I love that we have the opportunity this Christmas to give a gift to Jesus. While we should serve others throughout the year this is a great time of year to go above and beyond our usual to bless others. We each have been given gifts, let’s be intentional about sharing and using those gifts to serve others this season. It is in this way that we can give a few birthday gifts to Jesus at Christmas. What are other gifts you plan on giving to Jesus? I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas in the comments below.
Much Love,
