The art of gift-giving: Reflecting the love of Christ
An assortment of gifts. (Photo by George Dolgikh from Pexels)
Dorcas, known as Tabitha, is a woman chronicled in the New Testament's Book of Acts. Residing in Joppa, she gained prominence for her benevolence and charitable deeds as a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. Despite her compassionate life, Dorcas fell ill and eventually passed away.
Learning that the apostle Peter was nearby in Lydda, the believers in Joppa urgently dispatched two men to implore his presence. Peter assented, arriving in Joppa, where he was led to the room containing Dorcas's lifeless body. Numerous mourners, including widows whom Dorcas had assisted, were present. After clearing the space, Peter knelt, prayed, and, turning to the deceased, uttered, "Tabitha, get up." Miraculously, Dorcas was revived.
Peter presented her alive to the grieving community, sparking widespread belief in the Lord throughout Joppa. This extraordinary event underscores Dorcas's kindness, emphasizing the profound impact of faith and the power of selfless giving to the community.
As we embrace the approaching holiday season, the atmosphere is infused with the warm fragrance of cinnamon and pine. A global surge of generosity unfolds as Christmas, a universally treasured celebration, transcends mere glittering lights and festive adornments. At its essence, Christmas is an opportunity for profound reflection on the love of Christ and a commitment to manifesting that love through the art of gift-giving.
The Biblical origins of gift-giving
The History of Christmas Presents
"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" - Acts 20:35
The tradition of gift-giving weaves through bibThree Wise Menical narratives, finding roots in the lavish tributes offered to King Solomon by the Queen of Sheba. This age-old practice, transcending cultures, also traces back to the Roman festival of Saturnalia. At this time, December 19th saw Romans exchanging modest gifts, fostering camaraderie amidst societal upheaval.
As Christianity emerged, the challenge to integrate festive customs arose. Emperor Constantine's conversion in AD 312 marked a pivotal moment in this evolution, cleverly repurposing the essence of Saturnalia for Christmas. The Magi's gifts to baby Jesus provided a sacred touchstone for this transformation.
The tradition metamorphosed further with the veneration of Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century paragon of generosity. As Saint Nicholas evolved into Santa Claus, his legacy transcends religious boundaries. Today, the universal spirit of giving persists, uniting diverse cultures in a global celebration of generosity during the festive season.
Gifts of the Three Wise Men
"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." - Matthew 2:11
In the Christian tradition, giving gifts is often associated with the story of the Magi, also known as the Three Wise Men or Three Kings, who brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus.
This narrative is found in the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament. According to Matthew 2:1-12, the Magi followed a star to Bethlehem, where they found the baby Jesus. They presented him with the symbolic gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each of these gifts held a distinct meaning:
1. Gold: Gold is a precious metal often associated with kingship and wealth. The gift of gold symbolized Jesus' royal status as the "King of the Jews."
2. Frankincense: Frankincense is a fragrant resin used in incense and perfumes. It was a valuable and symbolic gift representing the spiritual nature of Jesus, as it was used in religious rituals.
3. Myrrh: Myrrh is a resin with a bitter taste, often used in perfumes and embalming. The gift of myrrh symbolized the mortal nature of Jesus and foreshadowed his eventual death.
Gift-giving practices all over the world
Here are some Christmas gift-giving traditions and practices from various countries around the world:
United States and Canada
- Santa Claus is delivering gifts on Christmas Eve.
- Stockings hung for small gifts.
- Gift exchanges with family and friends.
United Kingdom
- Christmas stockings for small gifts.
- Boxing Day, where gifts are exchanged with extended family and friends.
Germany
- Advent calendars with small gifts leading up to Christmas.
- Christkind (Christ Child) brings gifts on Christmas Eve.
France
- Celebrates with a festive meal on Christmas Eve.
- Pere Noel (Father Christmas) brings gifts.
Italy
- Celebrates with a feast on Christmas Day.
- La Befana, a kind old witch, delivers gifts on Epiphany.
Spain
- Celebrates Three Kings Day (Epiphany) with gift-giving.
- Children leave shoes out to be filled with gifts.
Mexico
- Posadas celebrations involve gift-giving.
- Celebrates Epiphany with Rosca de Reyes, a sweet bread with hidden figures.
Japan
- Christmas is celebrated with a focus on romantic dinners and small gifts.
- KFC is a popular Christmas meal.
Australia
- Christmas falls during summer and is often celebrated with outdoor activities.
- Gift exchanges with family and friends.
India
- Celebrations vary by region and religion.
- Exchanging gifts is common, especially in urban areas.
South Africa
- Celebrates with festive meals and gift exchanges.
- Christmas markets are famous for unique gifts.
Russia
- Celebrates Christmas on January 7th.
- Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) and Snegurochka (Snow Maiden) bring gifts.
Brazil
- Celebrates with a festive meal on Christmas Eve.
- Papai Noel (Father Christmas) brings gifts.
Sweden
- Celebrates with the "Jultomten," a gnome who delivers gifts.
- The central gift exchange often occurs on Christmas Eve.
China
- Christmas is not traditionally a public holiday, but gift-giving has become more common in urban areas.
- Apples wrapped in colorful paper are a popular gift.
Greece
- St. Basil (Agios Vasilis) is associated with gift-giving on New Year's Day.
- Traditional Greek sweets are exchanged.
Norway
- Celebrates with a festive meal on Christmas Eve.
- The "Julenisse" brings gifts, and children often leave a bowl of porridge for him.
Netherlands
- Celebrates St. Nicholas' Day (Sinterklaas) on December 5th with gift-giving.
- Children leave out shoes to be filled with gifts.
Israel
- The Christian population celebrates Christmas.
- Gift exchanges with family and friends.
Philippines
- Simbang Gabi, a series of nine dawn masses, precedes Christmas.
- Exchanging gifts during Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) is common
Iceland
- The "Yule Lads" bring small gifts on the 13 nights leading up to Christmas.
- Gift-giving often involves books as part of the "Jólabókaflóð" or Christmas Book Flood.
Finland
- Santa Claus (Joulupukki) is often visited in person for gift-giving.
- The Christmas sauna is a common tradition.
Poland
- Celebrates Wigilia, a Christmas Eve feast, by sharing the "opłatek" (Christmas wafer).
- Gift-giving follows the Wigilia dinner.
Essential gift-giving
Giving is listed as a spiritual gift in the New Testament. God encourages us to give during Christmas and at all times of the year.
All Christians are encouraged to give
Echoing through the ages, the apostle Paul urges believers to embody generosity with open hearts and willing spirits. Referencing his letter to the Corinthians, he stresses the essence of voluntary, cheerful giving: "Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7).
This call extends to all, emphasizing communal responsibility to support Christian ministry through individual contributions. In his message to the Romans, Paul underscores the duty to extend a helping hand to fellow believers in need. He advocates acts of kindness like providing shelter and inviting guests (Romans 12:13). The timeless message rings clear: believers are encouraged to generously contribute to the noble cause of advancing the Christian ministry.
We should give privately, expecting nothing in return
We hear of Secret Santas or generous people handing out $100 bills to poor homeless people during Christmas. It is crucial to underscore the principle of giving without anticipating personal gain. Give without expecting anything in return—a principle rooted in selfless generosity. Jesus teaches this form of benevolence, emphasizing acts devoid of any anticipation of personal gain.
Matthew 6:2-4 discourages showy charity, advocating for discreet, anonymous giving. The focus shifts from earthly rewards to divine acknowledgment. Those with this charitable inclination quietly extend kindness, trusting in a higher power for recognition. Embracing a humble philanthropic approach, they echo teachings prioritizing spiritual fulfillment over personal acclaim.
Extending grace and forgiveness
We all make enemies sometimes - a brother, a friend, or a co-worker. Embrace the essence of Christmas as a time of reconciliation and forgiveness, mirroring the grace extended to humanity through Christ. Take a meaningful step by reaching out to estranged friends or family members with a message infused with forgiveness and reconciliation. Restoring relationships is a transformative gift, encapsulating the love of Christ. In fostering connection and understanding, let the spirit of Christmas permeate through acts of reunion, embodying the season's true meaning.
Jesus Christ gave His life: The ultimate gift
A picture of a crucifix. (Photo by Alem Sánchez from Pexels)
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16
God loves us. Despite our sins, rebellion, and stubbornness, He sent His only begotten Son to save us. At the heart of this profound tale is Jesus Christ. He not only gave His life but also willingly endured the agonizing crucifixion on the cross, bestowing upon us a gift of immeasurable significance.
As we navigate the complexities of our lives, we must pause and reflect on the depth of this sacrificial act. The image of Jesus on the cross is a poignant symbol that speaks to the very core of our humanity. It is of love so vast it willingly embraced suffering for the sake of redemption.
In a world often marked by self-interest, the narrative of Jesus' ultimate gift challenges us to reconsider the essence of true generosity. Beyond the tinsel and trimmings of seasonal celebrations, the crucifixion narrative remains a timeless beacon. It reminds us that the most profound gifts are not wrapped in ornate paper but revealed through acts of love, compassion, and sacrifice.
As we exchange presents with friends and family, let's not lose sight of the profound implications of the ultimate gift. It is a call to a higher form of gift-giving to extend kindness, understanding, and forgiveness. In contemplating the sacrifice on the cross, we find a blueprint for fostering unity, cultivating empathy, and nurturing the wellspring of hope within each of us.
