Christmas Gifts: A Commercialised or Christian Practice?
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In today’s world, Christmas is often associated with shopping sprees, seasonal sales, and a frenzy of gift exchanges that begin long before December arrives. But for Christians, the tradition of giving gifts at Christmas isn’t just a commercial trend; it’s a meaningful act that echoes a profound spiritual truth at the heart of the faith. The true gift of Christmas to Christians is Jesus, and the practice of giving reflects God’s ultimate gift to humanity, celebrated through the birth of Christ.
At Faith With Finesse, we believe in gifts that inspire & encourage faith, remind us of God’s love, and return the focus to the spiritual significance of Christmas. Let’s explore why Christians give gifts at Christmas and how this practice, rooted in the faith, contrasts with commercialised holiday customs.
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Jesus: The Ultimate Gift of Christmas
Central to the Christian celebration of Christmas is the belief that Jesus Himself is the ultimate gift from God to humanity. The Bible tells us in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This verse serves as a reminder that God’s generosity lies at the heart of Christmas. Through Jesus, God gave humanity a Saviour: a source of eternal hope, and a path to redemption.
When Christians exchange gifts, it is meant to reflect God’s immense love and generosity, symbolising how we, too, are called to share love and kindness with others. While commercial culture may encourage gift-giving for the sake of material abundance, the Christian view sees it as a sacred tradition that mirrors God’s love through acts of generosity. Choosing gifts with Christian meaning can be a beautiful way to bring attention back to this true purpose, grounding the practice in faith and remembrance of God’s grace.
The Magi and the First Christmas Gifts
One of the earliest examples of Christmas gift-giving can be traced back to the story of the Magi, or the “three wise men from the East.” According to the Gospel of Matthew, the Magi traveled far to visit the newborn Jesus, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each of these gifts carried profound symbolic meaning:
- Gold represented Jesus' kingship, acknowledging His royal identity as the "King of Kings."
- Frankincense was an incense used in worship, signifying Jesus' priestly role and His divine nature.
- Myrrh was used in embalming, foreshadowing Jesus' future suffering and sacrifice for humanity.
Giving as an Act of Love and Generosity
In addition to honouring Jesus, Christians view giving as an act of love and selflessness, inspired by Jesus’ teachings. Throughout His ministry, Jesus emphasized the importance of compassion, generosity, and service to others. In Matthew 25:40 - He says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” This perspective encourages believers to give not out of duty, but from a place of genuine care for others.
During Christmas, gift-giving is an opportunity for Christians to live out these teachings, to demonstrate love to family, friends, and even strangers. In this way, each gift, regardless of size, becomes an extension of the spirit of Christ, reminding us that Christmas is about showing love and kindness as Jesus taught.
Countering the Commercialisation of Christmas with Meaningful Gifts
With holiday shopping ads and consumer culture surrounding Christmas, it’s easy for the act of giving to lose its deeper meaning. The commercialisation of Christmas often shifts the focus to acquiring material goods rather than celebrating Christ. However, Christians have an opportunity to counter this trend by choosing gifts that reflect their faith and values.
Faith-based gifts, such as scripture-inspired art, devotionals, and prayer journals, help shift the focus back to Christ. They remind both the giver and the recipient of the hope, love, and peace found in faith. At Faith With Finesse, we believe that choosing meaningful gifts rooted in the Christian message helps to re-center the holiday on its true purpose, allowing each present to speak to the heart of the recipient and inspire faith.
Building Connections and Strengthening Faith
Beyond individual acts of giving, the Christmas season offers a chance to strengthen bonds within families, friends, and faith communities. The tradition of exchanging gifts at gatherings can serve as a moment to reflect on God’s blessings and share in the joy of Christ’s birth together. In church settings or family gatherings, faith-centered gifts can spark conversations that remind everyone of the real reason for the season.
These moments of shared faith remind us that Christmas is about more than just presents; it’s about celebrating together, uplifting one another, and reflecting on God’s goodness. Choosing gifts that encourage prayer, reflection, or scripture study can even help deepen someone’s faith, making Christmas a time of spiritual renewal.
Conclusion: Reclaiming the Christian Spirit of Christmas Giving
As Christians navigate the Christmas season amidst a culture of commercialisation, it’s important to remember that gift-giving, at its core, is a reflection of God’s love and generosity. The tradition of giving is a sacred one, rooted in the example of the Magi and God’s gift of Jesus, and serves as an opportunity to spread love, compassion, and faith.
This Christmas, let’s remember that every gift can be an opportunity to honor the ultimate gift we have received: Jesus Christ. By choosing gifts with faith and intention, we not only celebrate the season’s true meaning but also create opportunities to inspire and uplift others. At Faith With Finesse, we’re dedicated to providing gifts that remind us of God’s love and help make this Christmas truly meaningful.