Intentional Gift Giving

Intentional Gift Giving

During the Christmas season, many Christians all over the world follow the Advent calendar to guide their Christmas celebrations. Advent is described as a season of “waiting and anticipation” that involves the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. Each Sunday has a separate theme: hope, peace, joy, and love. In many traditions, an Advent wreath with different colored candles, which are lit each Sunday, symbolizes this progression through the Christmas season. It all culminates in a Christmas Eve lighting of the Christ candle in the center of the wreath, declaring that Christ has come.

In our home, during the days of Advent, my wife, Julee, sets out on her Christmas shopping. She is the best gift giver in the family, finding exactly what she wants to give, at the best price, with coupons and free shipping if she orders it online. She is a shark when it comes to finding the best deal. She is a blessing when it comes to giving great gifts. She loves to give to each person in our family things that they will enjoy and that they want.

When I look at my wife’s gift giving, I am reminded of the intentionality with which God gave his Son to us. When you examine the promises of the Old Testament and the arrival of the baby Jesus, you see this beautiful thread through Scripture, of God at work behind the scenes to bring forth the Messiah! Seven hundred years before Jesus’ arrival, Isaiah the prophet proclaimed in Isaiah 7:14, “The Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child!”

This Advent season, as we remember how Israel had to wait in anticipation, let’s also enjoy the gift that has been given just for us. Never forget the intentionality of God’s love to you as you celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas.

The Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child!

Isaiah 7:14