Really Marsha? Christmas? Yes, reader I want to talk about Christmas because, I have a plan!

In 2023 I started purchasing Christmas gifts in October. A dear friend, who has since graduated from earth to eternity, was usually finished her Christmas shopping, gifts wrapped and all, by August. What I discovered is, Christmas was less stressfully and less costly. My gift list in 2023 was not as broad as it was in 2022 yet, there was a few additional names added to my list. My one disappointment was the gifts themselves; I would have preferred more American made gifts.
During the month of December (2023) I did a series of blogs which focused on Jesus; I was considering the reason why I should celebrate Christmas. In understanding the death, resurrection, remembrance and birth of my Lord and Savior, I justify the giving of gifts as a way to celebrate God’s gift to the world- His Son. By giving gifts not to Him but to others I could practice giving during Christmas, December 25th being the time in which Christians assigned to the birth of Jesus.
Christmas is a time of giving gifts not from Santa Clause. Christmas is a time of celebration and giving in remembrance of our Lord and Saviour, the only begotten Son of God, Jesus. For me, who I give to, why I am giving it, and what I give is more important than how much something cost. There are those who care about the cost and the origins of the gift: I have a problem with this mindset.

Acts 3:6-7 (KJV)
6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

I believe in the power of prayer but not everyone wants my prayers. In the above verses the man was looking for money yet he received healing.How disappointed some people would be to walk away physically better but not financially.

Romans 6:22-23 (KJV)
22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Not everyone wants Jesus to be Lord of their life because they want to enjoy the pleasures found in this world.

SO WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH CHRISTMAS BASKETS????

I am aware that not every person will accept my Christmas Gift Basket and it is possible that I might have need to purchase a gift. Far to many people have succumbed to the marketing strategies of the world, I was once guilty of such behavior. CHRISTMAS BASKET CAN BE VERY EXPENSIVE which is why I have to start early. The fair market value of the baskets I gave this past Christmas averaged %50, few more costly. The baskets are personalized thus and the items are often time consuming to make. For those who receive “gifts” from me they will be faith based.
My desire, my will, is to give people gifts that are purposeful, practical and a blessing.

Finally, I have begun, in 2024, gifting individuals gifts on their birthday. Birthday gifts should be, in my opinion, something given in celebration of the person being here on this earth. Every day a person lives is a blessing, birthdays is one persons Happy New Year. Financially, this works out better than purchasing numerous gifts in one month.
My questions to you, reader: What does Christmas mean to you?

Written by Marsha L Floyd
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