My mother was a teacher and would receive numerous gifts from her students during the Christmas season—more than she ever could use. So, when it was time for my brother and me to give Christmas gifts to our teachers, we would raid mother’s stash. We were regifting before I knew that term existed.
As I completed my Christmas gift list this year, I was convicted by the question, “What am I giving Jesus?”[1] Embarrassingly, I had never considered that Jesus should be on my Christmas list. Yes, I recognize that this IS the time to celebrate HIS birthday. And yes, my family does spend time honoring His birth on Christmas Day. But to actually consider what gift I would have for Jesus…sadly, Jesus was not on my gift list.
What do I give Him who sits on the right hand of God Almighty (Matthew 26:4)? Is there a gift I can give my judge (2 Timothy 4:1)? What gift is worthy of Immanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23)? What can I possibly gift Jesus who has it all?
During Advent-the time of year we prepare to honor the birth of Jesus and His return, we celebrate the hope, peace, joy, and love Jesus gave us. After prayerful consideration, I will give Jesus what He gave the world. As I did with my mother’s pile of gifts, I will do the same with Jesus’ gifts. My gift to Jesus is to regift to Him what He gave to me.
HOPE: My strength—to prevail, to live, to survive, to serve, to triumph—comes from my hope in the Lord (Rom 8:24). My hope in the promises of Jesus allows me to move forward each day. Hope means I am “watching and waiting, looking above, filled with His goodness, lost in His love.”[2] Therefore, my gift of hope to Jesus is to continually look to Him for guidance. That means studying His word and conversing with Him daily.
PEACE: Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Peace is one of the character traits Paul listed when he talked about the fruit of the spirit—a fruit I want. Peace means well-being; being in harmony with others; living righteously. My gift of peace to Jesus is to pursue harmony and goodwill with others. That means “quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger” (Jas 1:19 NRSVUE).
JOY: Joy is another fruit of the Spirit. Joy is found in Jesus (John 15:11). Joy is acknowledging and obeying the Lord. My gift of joy to Jesus is to respect His dominion in my life. That means listening for, and attending to, His commands and humbling myself before Him. That means worshipping and praising Him for caring for me.
LOVE: God is love; love is God (1 John 4). God has shown me the greatest love—Jesus. It is my desire and duty to share that love. My gift of love to Jesus is to love. That means helping those who need help; caring for those who need compassion; advocating for those who need a voice; praying for those who need God.
My gift to Jesus is to follow His example of how I should live.
Reflect: Is Jesus on your gift list? What gift(s) will you give Jesus this year?
[1] That question was inspired by sermons I heard from Rev. Andra Hoxie and Rev. LaTashia Satterfield Ogunlana.
[2] Lyric from the hymn Blessed Assurance (Public Domain)
(Originally published 12/22/2020. Updated 12/01/2023.)
While NOT always succeeding, I try to give everyday like it is Christmas so when Dec 25 comes I do not have to be frantic about giving.
Thank you for sharing with us this spirit filled writing during this Advent season. It is truly a wake up call to all of us. Continue to bless us with the beautiful gift of writing the Lord has given you. My gift is to remain a true “Servant” …
Your Pastor,
Bri,
What a thought-provoking message. I had never thought of giving a Christmas gift for Jesus. Now that I have, I will try to be more conscious of the ways I represent Him. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you once again, Sabrina. The thoughts given in your writings are always thought-provoking for me. Your message made me think this: God’s gift to us was His “only begotten Son”. (John 3:16) Sharing Christ with others is also a form of reGIFTing. God is Good.
Sabrina this message is very much “Thought Provoking.” I’d like to believe that my gift to God is receiving his word open-mindedly to allow it to resonate through every moment of my life. I love Praising God by singing as often as I can (even though I may not do it well), and to also hear others sing! Songs allow each of us to share the inner thoughts of how much one loves him. When we sing, we express our most heartfelt feelings and are able to say “Thank You to God” for all YOU have done! Singing affords most the opportunity to “Re-gift” and share more intimately, encouraging emotions that we might not release in any other setting. Singing establishes a mindset like none other experienced! So, I will continue to “Re-gift” my Love by increasing those opportunities in privacy and publicly as often as he will allow it to happen. I pray that “His Will will be Done” Harmoniously! To God Be the Glory, through Song!
Thank you for your inspirational words!