The gift of giving.
The children and I went gift shopping. What mayhem!! I had my list of who to buy for with barely an idea of what to get. The toy store was jam packed with people and me going in added 7 more. 4 kids & 2 shopping helpers. I can't say it was a peaceful, exciting experience. Trying to rush myself and seeing so much options and so much rubbish junk toys. I got a few things and left.
What did I learn? Start earlier than Dec when purchasing for 27 people. I'd rather catalogue shop I think. Tips for next year.
I managed, surviving several stores with all the kids and two helpers. The helpers were great, the kids not so. You get that.
I have two of mine to shop for and two more gifts plus 3 men (tips please!!!!!!) To get, then I'm fully done.
Which brings me to the gift of giving. When we give to those in need we should do so without the expectation of receiving something in return. Christmas gifts are often bought, not out of love, honour or respect but out of duty. It's expected. You buy because they are on the family list. I hear it all the time.
Personally I would prefer a gift given to me out of love and care or cos I was thought of than because I'm on 'the Christmas list'.
Years ago, I heard a story of a woman who hated her sister-in-law claiming she was never thankful for what she received. In spite this woman gave the sister-in-law a 'cow dung' as part of a tear thing (gift gets given to someone in another country and you get a special card to give to someone). Stating (not to sis-in-law face) that was what she thought of her.
On Christmas day the woman hands over an envelope to the sister-in-law. No doubt she was smug and gleeful inwardly. The sister-in-law opens the envelope to discover she'd received poop. Do you think she was thankful? Nope! No way! Fights broke lose.
I believe that is how things can be internally with people during Christmas time. Giving gifts because they are on a list, not because of love, care, honour or the decency of a truthful & meaningful relationship. It's sad that is the way things are.but it is often true.
The gift that "christmas" is all about is your free salvation from God. The bible says "he who believes in their heart and confesses with their mouth Jesus is Lord shall be saved"
The Salvation came through Jesus death & resurrection.
So, as you continue to do your gift buying & wrapping & giving, attempt at least to do so out of love than from a list.
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