“… when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts: gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 3:11b

There are wrong reasons to give a gift: obligation, to impress, to get something in return. The Bible is clear about why and how we give. The first Christmas gift was not carried by the Magi, but came from Heaven: “For God so loved the world that he gave his own son…” There are no strings attached, we can receive this gift or we can say, “No thanks.” To as many as receive him it is power to live eternally as children of God. To neglect so great a gift is to never know the life that could have been.

As Christians we too should follow the Lord’s example in giving; he loves a cheerful giver. A good guide to gift giving may be to remember that we should give as unto the Lord. Some of the greatest gifts we offer to God may be what we give to others. Jesus said, “In as much as you have done unto the least of these my brothers, you have done unto me.”

Give some gifts this Christmas that are beyond monetary value: mend a quarrel, tell someone ‘I love you.’ Give something away anonymously. Forgive someone who has treated you wrong. Give as God gave to you in Christ, without obligation, or announcement, or reservation, or hypocrisy.

The wise men brought gifts to THE GIFT. What will we do with the gift of Christ? Charles Dickens said, “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all year.” May we do the same by remembering that it is the Lord’s will that we are cheerful givers every day.

“What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet what can I give Him: give Him my heart.”