As we get deeper into December, it seems our time becomes more limited. Christmas shopping, decorating, party planning, all the holiday usuals take up our time. We focus on gifts that we will give to others, mostly family, friends, or those in our social and work circles. I’ve always tried to find meaningful gifts, something that will bring smiles to faces or a reminder of a happy memory, to the recipient.

Focusing on the true meaning of Christmas can get lost in the commercial push. We don’t think about what we can give God during this special time of year, our gift to Him.

My pastor gave a very illuminating message on this topic that I’d like to share with you. (My condensed version.)

What can we give to God?

Our hope in Him. No matter what is going on in our lives, hope can resonate. When we are thankful for our relationship with God, we can begin to hope that He will influence every step of our lives.

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24

Our passionate pursuit. Do we seek and do we find?

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

When we want something bad enough, we will pursue it. Why not our relationship with God?

Our worship. A lifestyle of love and reverence, respect and devotion, to the one who created us. As my pastor said, we should ascribe value to something higher than ourselves.

In Mark 12: 28-30, when asked which commandment of all was the most important, Jesus said,

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

How do we worship God?

Heart and soul, our very best expression.

Mind, thinking about what Jesus wants in my life.

Strength, what we do for Him.

Wrapped up, this can be a gift to our Lord who has given us everything.

I pray that your Christmas is filled with happiness, joy, excitement, and most of all, a reminder of what Jesus has done for us and what we can do for Him.

Merry Christmas!