Giving Back This Christmas

“They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:11. 

Christmas is one of the happiest holidays for several reasons. First and foremost, the Son of God descended from heaven to “give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20: 28). Secondly, people are more generous at Christmas than at any other time of the year. The practice of giving is not a recent innovation—it began on the first Christmas when Jesus was born. Everyone in the Christmas story had something to give.

When Mary submitted to God’s plan, she surrendered her good reputation in order to fulfill the Lord’s calling for her life. (Luke 1:30-38). Joseph offered his love and protection to Mary and the child who was not his own (Matthew 1:18-25) And the wise men relinquished the comfort of home to seek the newborn King and give Him gifts. You can’t talk about the wise men without talking about the three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:1-11)  

Christmas and the holidays are the seasons of giving. But what about the reason for the season? What can we give to God? What do you give to God, who has everything? What does God want from us? Too often we think of giving as synonymous with giving money. While God doesn’t need our money, giving is a privilege out of love for the Lord and a desire to see His kingdom advanced. But this Christmas, consider giving an additional gift to God.

One of the greatest gifts you can give Jesus this season is the gift of you. The greatest gift you can give to God is to say, “Lord, I give You my life. I give You my talents. I give You my abilities. I give You my dreams. I give You my future. I give You my weaknesses. I offer myself to You. Here is my gift to You.” Jesus wants a closer, deeper relationship with you. Surrendering your life and allowing God to guide and direct you will lead to an intimacy with God. This starts by giving Him your heart. The Bible tells us, “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” (Luke 12:34). Your heart is what you love, value and care about most. One way you can give Jesus your heart this Christmas is by giving your resources to His work.

 This Christmas, be committed to growing in your relationship with Jesus and doing all that you can to reflect His love and greatness to others.

Discussion Question:

1. Matthew 2:2 says, “The wise men didn’t come to get something from God, but to offer something to Him.”What can we offer to God this Christmas season?