Last year I decided to decrease giving during Christmas, the routine had become more emotionally draining than financially draining; it was a financial struggle. In addition to, despite, the greetings of Merry Christmas food has become a focal point of many gatherings, which in some instances included alcoholic beverages. Grace is, in many instances, the only time Jesus is mentioned. Christmas has become a “happy holiday”.
In 2023 I had already narrowed down my list of recipients to whom I was going to give to. I gave from the heart homemade gifts that I made or someone who makes homemade gifts; there was a few who received store bought items or cash but, I did not go into debt giving; Christmas dinner was for two.
One of the things I want to acknowledge, because super Christians always remind me of this, December 25th is the day we celebrate the birth of the only begotten Son of God. I have no problems with the giving of gifts BUT there is a difference between giving from the heart and giving because it is expected.
I love birthdays. I believe every year a person lives should be acknowledged; I give special gifts on a person’s day of birth instead of the 25th of December. I have done that this year and will continue that act. By transferring the special gift to a persons’ birthday it actually helps financially and I believe it is of greater significance to the recipient. In addition, if I see something that I think would be great for a specific person I give it to them, I call them “just because gifts.”

Luke 6:38 (KJV)
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Jesus said to give but He did not say what day.
HERE’S MY RANT: There are churches that ask for money to bless certain people through out the year and many people doing thinking they will be blessed because of it. No! You will not be blessed because you gave tot he “First Lady” (First lady is not in the Bible). Celebrating a church leaders birthday or anniversary does not have any magical properties. The Bible teaches us to give and the blessing is linked to your mindset. Some people have selfish reasons for giving. They give to get something, this is greed not love.

2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV)
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

The Apostle said we should give according to what our hearts are prompting us to do, with a cheerful attitude.We should not give because the bills need to be paid! We should not give out of obligation or a specific date.

Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

I am posting this on December 25th the day we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus. As you go about your activities please remember: JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON.

Written by Marsha L Floyd
Sunday, December 15, 2024 5:16:10 PM
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

12/21/2024 POST NOTE: I spent today with my beloved shopping for Christmas gifts for his family, thinking about my faith. I enjoyed helping him buy gifts for others. It gave me even more joy to purchase a bible for one of his grandchildren and a Bible journal for another, we also purchased a Christ centered gift for his son-in-law. Was it favor that I purchased two gifts for $20 each marked down from $129?

Colossians 3:17 (KJV)
¹⁷  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.