GIF Christmas Gift Giving

“Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.”
(1 Timothy 6:17)

Christmas Gift Giving
by Larry Burkett

We have become terribly imbalanced. We may give a surplus of gifts at Christmas because it’s expected of us, and many feel guilty if they don’t. The material emphasis of Christmas now makes radically expensive toys and gifts seem completely normal, and even expected.

It’s easy to observe the stress that our imbalanced society places on family members. Christian parents who can’t provide the latest indulgences to their children are often depressed and distraught. Obviously, no one person purposely makes them feel unworthy or insignificant, but the overwhelming emphasis we place on giving at Christmas certainly does.

So great is this social pressure that the closer we get toward Christmas Day, the more depressed and unworthy those who can’t indulge feel. Unfortunately, the pressures don’t end after Christmas is past either.

We must develop a plan for our families without the pressure from the commercial world. To do so, we must first believe that God’s plan is different from the world’s and is more, not less, fulfilling. More emphasis must be placed on the values taught in God’s Word.

The key is balance, which comes from following God’s wisdom.

“The Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright . . . and He preserves the way of His godly ones” (Proverbs 2:6-8).

Daily Scripture Reading:
Acts 19:23 – 20:1
2 Corinthians 1 – 4