The Best Gifts

A man’s pride brings him low,but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.

Proverbs 29:23 (NIV)

Pride, oh, the problem of pride. The dictionary says it’s “an overrated self-esteem.” It’s arrogance, haughtiness, a feeling that we are better. Humility is just the opposite. Pride brings people down. Humility stoops down and lifts others up.

The Christmas season is the perfect time to choose to be humble. Two thousand years ago, the King of kings chose to be born in a manger. Philippians 2:4-7 gives us a beautiful pattern. “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others. . . . Have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God . . . he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.”

That very first Christmas, Jesus was the gift. He did not bring silver or gold, he brought kindness and goodness. He gave himself. In his honor, let’s make kindness and goodness the key ingredients in all we do and all that we give. Do you know a widow? The holidays can be lonely; pray for her, take her shopping, hang a cheerful wreath on her door. Are your kids being inconsiderate of your wishes and needs? Let it go and love them anyway. Did your sister hurt your feelings last holiday? You be the first to call and mend the gap. Put homemade cookies in the mailbox for the mailman, shovel your neighbor’s sidewalk, let a mom with little ones go ahead of you in line at the store. What if you really did humble yourself and lift others up? Well, then Christmas just might come to your house a little early.

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

Do you know the true story of Santa Claus? Nicholas was born during the third century in Patara, a small Greek village. His wealthy parents raised him to be a devout Christian. But they died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus’ words to “sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor” (Matthew 19:21), Nicholas used his inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was known for his generosity and love for children.

“He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way” (Psalm 25:9).

One Year Bible Reading

Amos 7:1–9:15; Revelation 3:7-22; Psalm 131:1-3; Proverbs 29:23