Theology of Gift Giving

Have you ever asked yourself, “Why do we give gifts during the Christmas season?” Consider the following three reflections: The first is God’s giving to us. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave us his only Son...” The ultimate gift is Jesus. At the heart of Christmas is God giving God so that believers can have eternal life. Secondly, we respond by giving to Christ. Like the wise men who fall down and worship Jesus and then offer him gifts and other precious things, part of worship is finding ways to show how much we admire, reverence, trust, and value Jesus. Finally, we are called to give to others. Hebrews 13:13 says, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices,” meaning our worship, “are pleasing to God.” Even our giving to others is viewed as a sacrifice of worship to God. This Christmas season, let us rejoice in God as the great and first giver of the greatest gift; seek the mindset that offers back to Christ the gift of trust, hope, admiration, joy, and affection; and then seek the mindset that overflows with joy in giving to others.