Gift Giving

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Gift Giving Episode 119

What is the greatest gift that we can give to others? Well, there are plenty that come to mind but the greatest gift-giving comes from Almighty God and His Son, Jesus. In this episode, we will discuss how gift-giving sometimes takes center stage when the focus should be on the Lord!

Thanks to our sponsor – The Star Movie – limited run December 7 and 8th 2019 – the DVD is still available for purchase.

We celebrate Jesus at Christmas and Easter the two biggest seasons for Christians. And, when my kids were little I’d ask them what season was their favorite and would you believe it was Easter? Yes, there was definitely candy involved but the main reason was the fasting that came beforehand!

As a Catholic-Christian we celebrate the 40 days of Lent the time leading up to Easter Sunday and we “give up” something. Whether it is tangible like chocolate or candy to something like not being negative or perhaps setting aside a longer period of time to pray. In this giving up we are reminded each time we want to stray that we can not and this equates and is symbolic for giving up sin. So when Easter Sunday comes it is a time to put aside the fasting and to celebrate!

But, at Christmas time while Advent is similar to Lent in that we are counting down to the glorious day of our Savior’s birth (and yes – I realize it is not the exact date). It is much more difficult with full calendars, invitations from friends and families and a variety of to-do’s that center around baking – shopping or writing cards.

Christmas tends to be a time of giving – and while we give we often overlook that all some people need is our gift of compassion and to feel needed. When we are in the midst of our giving we overlook the real needs.

I once did a podcast on the things that kids want for presents (Presents Kids Want — Presents Kids Can Make) and it was not what you might think. Sure that shiny object is fun for a short span of time but truthfully the gifts that you can give that last often can not be purchased from a store.

My kid’s favorite gifts consisted of time camping or time we spent together as a family reading in front of the fireplace. Once on a trip to Canada from Florida, my son asked if I brought along our storybook and if we could read in front of the fireplace in the lobby of the hotel! Friends, it was summer! What did this show me? That my son loved the time we spent together.

The gifts that keep on giving are the gifts we consider and think about. It is the gifts of baked goods, or the refrigerator magnets grandkids make, or just time spent doing something special.

My gifts to my grandkids consist of Zoo Family Membership and things they need. Most of all it will be time spent together baking and doing crafts – one of my favorite things and theirs as well. But the greatest gift you can give your family? The gift of Love and the gift of Faith.

Faith is the gift that keeps on giving. When my kids were little I created an Advent Calendar and each day I gave them a number, on the back was a Scripture Verse and a short note I wrote them. It was not only a count down to Christmas but a time of prayer and personal love notes written to them! The calendar is still up on two of my children’s rooms – all these years later! Another way we celebrated faith is with an Advent Wreath and we lit one calendar each week (and each evening we lit that same candle). We would pray a Scripture verse each night and then spent time in prayer for our family and each of us gave a “praise report,” what we were thankful for each day.

Remember this year that the best gifts are the ones that last!

Dear Lord Jesus thank you for giving me the gift of faith – and I ask, precious Lord that you give me the grace to pass on this gift with those I love and cherish! I know this is one of the greatest gifts are love and the gift of faith. Please fill me to overflowing with your love, the love that surpasses all understanding so that I may share this love with others. Please help me with my gift-giving this year to focus on the person and their needs. Please, Lord, hear the prayers I pray for the following people … help them Lord in their struggles and bring joy and victory in the Name of Jesus! And, I pray this in Your precious Name, My God. Amen!

Thank you to our Sponsor -The Star Movie