My sister and I have not given each other Christmas presents since 1971. Do we not celebrate Christmas together? Are we mad at one another? Is this an ongoing family feud? Far from it. We meet with extended family as we have for years. Our time together includes reading the Christmas story from Luke 2, praying, having a potluck feast, listening to music, and receiving gifts under the tree. We purchase presents for other family members, with a focus on children, but no exchange for the two of us.
We decided to forego gift-wrapped items that soon break or wear out for something with lasting value. During the summer of 1971, we married within three months of one another and faced the usual financial challenges of newlyweds. However, we both believed in the importance of mission work. Inspired by the story of a single female missionary who gave her life for the people she served, we wanted to give as much as possible to our church’s annual international mission offering. Like those who initiated the offering, we longed for people worldwide to hear the message of God’s love. Years later, I opened a small package from one of my sister’s sons. The card inside said his Christmas gift was a donation to international mission work. I cried.
As we read in Old Testament festival instructions, Jesus’ teachings, and others in the New Testament, everyone can give something. Throughout the Bible, we also read that God values each gift, whether large or small.
Remember to thank God this Christmas for the gift of love and forgiveness through Jesus. Also, ask God to help you discover new ways to consistently and sacrificially share that gift with our hurting world.
Diana Derringer is author of Beyond Bethlehem and Calvary: 12 Dramas for Christmas, Easter, and More! She writes for several publications and enjoys traveling with her husband and serving as a friendship family to international university students. She offers life lessons from English expressions at dianaderringer.com.