What is the most memorable Christmas gift you’ve ever received? When you think about that question your mind can go in so many different directions. Usually what comes to mind is something tangible like a present that you can hold in your hand.  But what about a gift that you can hold in your heart—a gift of mercy when you don’t deserve it? Wouldn’t that, in the whole scheme of every day life, mean more to you than just receiving things that eventually will break or decay or lose its importance?

We’re not saying that you’re off the hook as far as getting your spouse a Christmas gift. Tangible gifts can also be very important. But we need to give each other more than material possessions in order to maintain a growing, significant relationship which honors each other and honors God.

As we look for gifts to give our spouse this Christmas, let’s not forget to also share with them gifts of the heart —the type of gifts that “keep on giving” — not only at Christmas but throughout the year.

After-all, isn’t that what the Christ of Christmas came to give us? We didn’t deserve the gift of mercy and grace that He gave on our behalf, but none-the-less, it’s available to all who believe in His name and receive Him as their personal Savior.

On this note, we’d like to share with you the following message (which we shortened) which was sent to us through a friend of the ministry. It’s entitled, SPREAD A LITTLE CHRISTMAS CHEER! By Julian Marion:

Sharing is what this Christmas season is all about. When God sent Jesus Christ into the world, God was sharing heaven with us. Christmas is not about Santa, it’s about a Savior. It’s not about gifts, it’s about grace.

Jesus will always be the reason for the season because He is Lord. The knowledge of Christ must effect a transformation in our lives that will in turn affect our attitudes and our actions. The words we speak will only influence others if our actions support our words.

We live in a day and age, where compassion for the underprivileged and less fortunate is at an all time low. People are weary and perhaps reticent when it comes to doing good. But this should not however, deny us the privilege of walking in obedience to our Lord.

Jesus said, “For I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you took Me in; I was naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.” Then the righteous shall answer Him, saying, “Lord, when did we see You hungry, and fed You? Or thirsty, and gave You drink? When did we see You a stranger, and took You in? Or naked, and clothed You?” (Matt 25:35-38).

Inasmuch as you are kind and charitable to one of the least of these, you are doing it as unto the Lord Himself.

What you must realize is that every man has been created in the similitude of God and that necessitates the need for them to be treated with dignity and respect. The Bible states that those who profess to love God and hate their brothers are in denial. It states clearly and makes perfect sense, how can you hate your brother whom you can see, but you claim to love God who you cannot see.

Christmas is that time of year when the whole world is hearing the message of the birth of Jesus. It’s a time when people are tenderhearted… the perfect time to plant seeds of love in the lives of others. Keep a sharp eye out for even the smallest chance to assist people. It’s amazing how others are ready to hear what you have to say when you say it in love.

It’s easy to give people what they deserve, but it’s a privilege to give them mercy. As we ask God to begin a work of humility in our hearts, we will see just how powerfully His transforming love truly is. Remember, Christmas is only complete when we receive God’s gift—Jesus Christ.

---

Let us not forget to during this season of “busy”-ness to give each other the gift of mercy and also to be kind to each other. After-all, if you’re too busy to be kind—you’re too busy. You need to do some rearranging of your priorities.

Think about it, is this the way that Jesus Christ would want His birthday to be celebrated? Would He want us to rush past living out the principles of being peace-makers as we hurry through the season to celebrate and honor His birth?

As we go through the rest of the days leading up to Christmas ask God to show you how to share with your spouse gifts from the heart—ways in which you can extend grace and mercy. Over-look little annoyances that in the big scheme of things won’t amount to much 100 years from now.

The following are seven gifts of the heart we challenge you to put in the fore-front of your mind to give each other this Christmas season:

•  Give the gift of LISTENING: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (James 1:19).

•  Give the gift of BEING POLITE to each other and to be SELF-SACRIFICING in your motives: [Love] is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5).

•  Give the gift of BEING CAREFUL WITH YOUR WORDS: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29).

•  Give the gift of BEING CONSIDERATE WITH HOW YOU SAY THINGS: Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing (Proverbs 12:18).

•  Give the gift of TRYING TO TRULY UNDERSTAND YOUR SPOUSES FEELINGS over a matter that’s important to them: A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions. (Proverbs 18:2)

•  Give the gift of RESTRAINING YOUR ANGER: A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. (Proverbs 29:11)

•  Give the gift of SPEAKING ONLY KIND WORDS, AND BEING PEACEABLE: Remind the people… to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men. (Titus 3:2)

And lastly, if you have children, give them a peaceful Christmas by applying these principles to your life so they don’t have to pay the price for their mom and dad being mean-spirited and unlike Christ in words and actions.

You are a living example to them of how a Christ-follower honors the Christ of Christmas during this holiday season. Make it truly a time when there will be “Peace on earth and good-will toward men” —at least lived out in YOUR home!

May God bless and keep you,
Steve and Cindy Wright

 Print This Page (printer-friendly)

 Email This Page