The Spirit of Giving
Most people have a few things that make Christmas special to them. Here are a few of mine.
Written by Maria Fontaine
I love the spirit of giving that permeates Christmas. It’s often a time when even the least generous become more giving. It’s a time when children can learn the joy of giving as they share what they have. It’s also a time when everyone can give something, whether they have a little or a lot, and find reward in doing so.
We did this every year when I was a child, and it was a tradition that became very meaningful to me. To this day, whenever I look at a Christmas tree, I’m always reminded of that annual experience that made such an impression on me as a child.
Sharing Jesus
I love the fact that Christmas is a time when talking about Jesus comes more naturally and is often more appreciated, even amid the commercial aspect of the holiday. Because most of the world celebrates Christmas in one way or another, it’s an ideal opportunity to share “the reason for the season” with those who haven’t heard. It’s the perfect time to explain that Jesus is God’s gift of love, sent to bridge the gap between God and us; that He is “the way, the truth, and the life”2 and “the door” to salvation.3 Christmas time and Jesus go hand in hand.
Sharing ourselves
I love how Christmas gifts carry a little bit of the giver with them. When I was a child, most of the Christmas gifts my parents gave me and my sisters were things that we needed, such as clothes or shoes, but they would usually also try to get each of us something that was a frill or an extra, things they knew we had been wanting and would consider special.
It sometimes takes more thought and creativity to come up with something meaningful, but those are the gifts that seem to be the most appreciated and remembered. As Henry van Dyke said, “The finest Christmas gift is not the one that costs the most money, but the one that carries the most love.”
Get-togethers and activities
I’ve always loved gatherings with family and friends at Christmastime. Also when I was growing up, all of us children participated, either in our church’s Christmas play, or by singing Christmas songs or reciting poems.
Music
Another thing that I love about Christmas is the music. So many Christmas carols contain deep truths—inspired lyrics set to inspired music. I like the old religious carols, and I like the newer ones too. Any song that brings attention to the Greatest Gift is wonderful.
Lights
I love Christmas lights. A lot of people like Christmas lights, but I really like them! I would gladly have them hanging in my home year-round—and some years I have. In the past when I’ve traveled around Christmastime, I’ve even packed a string or two of Christmas lights in case I might not find any right away in my new location. I just love the glow they give.
Speaking of lights, I’m praying that each of you reading this will have a love-filled, light-filled Christmas, and that we will each do our part to light others’ lives with the love of Jesus. This world of ours needs all the light it can get!
Now light one thousand Christmas lights,
On dark earth here tonight;
One thousand, thousand also shine,
To make the dark sky bright.
He came to bring us love and light,
To bring us peace on earth.
So let your candles shine tonight,
And sing with joy and mirth.4
1. See Matthew 25:34–40.
2. John 14:6
3. John 10:9
4. Swedish traditional carol, author unknown
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