Christmas is a time to celebrate giving. The reason that we can celebrate Christ-mas is because of Jesus' birth.
Remember God gave the ultimate gift to the world (John 3:16) so don't overspend, go into deep debt, max out your credit cards, or be sad if you can't buy the most expensive gift because it's already been purchase and is still relevant today. God gave us Jesus!
Every tangible gift will eventually fade away, grow old, be forgotten, or perhaps reduce in it's sentimental value but Jesus will always be the same today, tomorrow, and forever more. He won't fade or grow old or reduce in value. He shows mercy to us and extends His grace--- even when we don't deserve it. But because He loves us so much, we get a 2nd chance every day.
God gives us new mercies every day; perhaps we could do that too! Micah 6:8
I pray that this will be your season to give love (charity) as you share Jesus with the lost.
The Apostle Paul reminds us about this (agape) love in 1 Corinthians 13 (NIV):
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have (Christ) love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have (Christ) love, I am nothing.
If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast but do not have (Christ) love, I gain nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:13 - And now these three remain: faith, hope and (Christ) love. But the greatest of these is love (Christ).
