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How to Choose the Perfect Gift

2 Dec

Thor Ramsey wrote a LOL article listing some of the myths about Christmas that included this funny observation:

“Myth # 4:  The Younger You Are the More Gifts You Should Get.

Truth: You know what I don’t like about the holidays? It’s this rule of Christmas: the younger you are the more gifts you get. My sister’s pregnant. The fetus has more presents under the tree than I do.

The kid doesn’t even have feet yet, why does he need a stocking?

I tell you what a great gift for a newborn baby is ~ a spice rack.

Hey, that’s what they got the baby Jesus for Christmas ~ frankincense, and myrrh? Come on, that’s a spice rack. They might have been three wise men, but they were bad shoppers.”

LOL! Take time to read all of the myths here: “Christian Myths” (at crosswalk.com, 12-16-2004).

But seriously, how does one choose a perfect gift at Christmas? Here are some tips:

  1. Pray for wisdom as you make your Christmas list (James 1:5a)
  2. Make a list of everyone you have to buy for this year. Get it written all down so you can see the big picture.
  3. Prioritize the list ~ family first, other relatives and/or close friends second, co-workers/hairdressers, etc. last.
  4. Think about the budget. After each name, write down the reasonable amount of money you have for that person (remembering, perhaps, what they bought you last year!). It doesn’t have to be expensive or huge to be “perfect” for them.
  5. Think about each person to narrow down possible gift choices. What do they love to do (hobbies/interests) and what might their personality dictate in choosing a gift?
  6. Anticipate. List one or two ideas about what you want to look for, for each person, before you go shopping.
  7. Go fishing ~ you may need to “fish” for ideas with the recipient or a loved one. It’s OK to “ask around.”
  8. When shopping, check out the clearance section in each store to see if any of the items you’re looking for are there (or check online for the same). Don’t waste money.
  9. Get creative. Perhaps you can make a meaningful gift. Or attach a handmade Christmas note or tag. Consider a personalized gift. A food gift.
  10. Consider a gift card if it is appropriate ~ if the person can get something they really want or will use (but consider attaching the gift card to something fun or useful). Or give great promotional coupons (like housecleaning, errand running, etc.) if the person would use them.
  11. Consider a family gift package – something they can do together.
  12. Regarding children ~ Remember safety and age-appropriateness.
  13. Picture this ~ a framed photograph is great for grandparents, a special loved one, or your best friend. A treasured childhood family picture framed exquisitely is priceless.
  14. Ask yourself questions: “Will the recipient really like this, or is it just something I would like to have? Will this bless the person? Will he/she use this or just have to find a place to store it? Does this gift show I value the person?”
  15. Wrap it up pretty! Presentation counts ~ a feast for the eyes.

The tradition of Christmas giving arose from those three Wise Men who were NOT bad shoppers. The Magi ~ they were not called wise men in the scripture, but were likely royal Persian astronomers or advisers to kings ~ went to Jerusalem seeking Israel’s newborn king. But he wasn’t there. God directed them to Bethlehem with a brilliant star, and they offered baby Jesus gifts that were precious and meaningful. They thought about the perfect gifts for a King of Kings: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Gold was certainly a gift for a king. In tradition, we often see this gold as a jar, but it could just as well have been coins, jewelry, or even chunks of gold.

Gold was a wonderful gift for a royal child.

Frankincense was rare and valued, often used in Temple worship. Frankincense burned on the altar and its smoke symbolized the Israelites’ prayers rising up to God.

Frankincense was a blessed gift for a divine child.

Myrrh was also valuable as a perfume, but it had another more ominous use. Myrrh was used in the cloths that wrapped bodies for burial. It’s strong smell was believed to help cover the smell of decay.

Myrrh was a prophetic gift for a child who was born to die.

The story indicates that the Magi knew Jesus was going to be more than a great teacher or prophet. They understood that He was the Messiah ~ the promised Savior. Gold, frankincense and myrrh certainly seem to be perfect gifts; but there was another gift offered that day when the Wise Men came, and if we are wise, we will offer it to Jesus too.

The Bible says they came seeking “the one who has been born king of the Jews” in order to worship him  (Matthew 2:1-2) and when they saw Jesus, they did just that ~ “they bowed down and worshiped him” (Matthew 2:11).

Jesus died to offer the gift of eternal life. (You can read about this gift in John 3:16, 36: 17:3; 1 John 5:11; and Romans 10:9-12.) What is the perfect gift to give to Jesus?

It’s worship. It’s praise. It’s magnifying His name so all the earth will know He is the King who will rule with power in heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18).

The Perfect Gift?

“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker.” ~ Psalm 95:6

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One Month Until Christmas

25 Nov

Thirty days until Christmas, and my mind is so scattered. I thought I’d just share a bit of “this and that” to get you started toward Christmas… but truly, I do have a purpose in this post.

I saw a clock the other day that is so much a product of our time … (see right).

Christmas is downloading for another year!  You have a whole month to think about what you will say when you receive a gift that you didn’t really want. But here are a few ideas:

  • Now that’s a gift!
  • I really don’t deserve this.
  • I couldn’t bear to have anything happen to this, so I’m going to pack it away safely in the attic.

You’ve got one month until Christmas to make wise use of your time! And speaking of time, here’s a cute Christmas Countdown Timer … and some fun, creative, and wise choices to consider over these 30 days:

  • Watch Santa’s Reindeer Cam. 8,600 countries are already watching, according to the creators of the live video, 24/4 (and at 11am, 6pm, and 9pm EST, Santa feeds the reindeer). You can get an app for your phone for the reindeer cam, too!
  • Make as much holiday food ahead of time as you can ~ Try some Make-Ahead Holiday Cookie Dough recipes.
  • Order and read Marcia Ramsland’s Simply December Devotions, the companion devotional to her Simplify Your Holiday Season handbook.
  • Check out some Christmas craft ideas on my “Christmas Creations” Pinterest page.
  • Try some creative Christmas package wrapping ideas.
  • Be sure not to make any Christmas Shopping Mistakes – Check out Dave Ramsey’s list of no-nos.
  • Teach your children about contentment with Dave Ramsey’s “The Best Christmas Ever” book and CD.

And speaking of contentment …

Earlier, I gave you some suggestions for what to say when you receive a gift you don’t really want. Unfortunately, that’s what some people have right now ~ some “gifts” they didn’t expect or want. Maybe they got laid off from work. Or a friend decided to act not-so-friendly. Or they received some bad health news.

Whatever the unwanted “gift” is, sometimes it’s a struggle to be content; and in our struggle, we may forget the faithfulness of God.

I find it interesting that a popular scripture is nestled in a not-so-well-known context. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man….” The context of this is the grumbling believers in the Old Testament who were not content with how God supplied their needs (1 Corinthians 10:9-12; Numbers 14:2; Exodus 16:2-3; 17:2-3).  The last part of 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us that “God is faithful.”

God is faithful. He sees you, He knows you, and He knows your needs. He will provide those needs (financial, emotional, spiritual, whatever), though perhaps not in ways you might anticipate or even understand. It is in God’s character to be faithful to His children.“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9). You can rest and be content in Him.

If you don’t remember one other thing this month until Christmas day, remember this ~ the One who was faithful to send your much-needed Redeemer to that manger in Bethlehem has not forgotten you in your struggles right now.

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Got Post-Christmas Blahs?

26 Dec

There’s a funny “Day after Christmas” poem that might describe many homes in America:

‘Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the house,
Every creature was hurting — even the mouse.
The toys were all broken, their batteries dead;
Santa passed out, with some ice on his head.

Wrapping and ribbons just covered the floor, while
Upstairs the family continued to snore.
And I in my T-shirt, new Reeboks and jeans,
Went into the kitchen and started to clean.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the sink to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the curtains, and threw up the sash.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a little white truck, with an over-sized mirror.
The driver was smiling, so lively and grand;
The patch on his jacket said “U.S. POSTMAN.”

With a handful of bills, he grinned like a fox.
Then quickly he stuffed them into our mailbox.
Bill after bill, after bill, they still came.
Whistling and shouting he called them by name:

“Now Dillard’s, now Broadway’s, now Penny’s and Sears;
Here’s Levitz’ and Target’s and Mervyn’s ~ all here!!
To the tip or your limit, every store, every mall,
Now chargeaway-chargeaway-chargeaway all!”

He whooped and he whistled as he finished his work.
He filled up the box, and then turned with a jerk.
He sprang to his truck and he drove down the road,
Driving much faster with just half a load.

Then I heard him exclaim with great holiday cheer,
“Enjoy what you got … YOU’LL BE PAYING ALL YEAR!” (1)

And then there are all the “returns” after Christmas.

Brian Bill dealt with this by quoting a poem by Dave Veerman called “Many Happy Returns” ~

“‘Twas the day after Christmas, And all through the room
Strewn wrappings were crying For use of a broom

The children were scattered, The friends’ gifts exploring,
Since now most of theirs Were broken or boring.

All tummies were stuffed From the fabulous feast;
Leftovers would serve For one month at least.

And mama and papa Were countryside ranging,
Those unwanted gifts Returned or exchanging.

Yes, Christmas is past With its bustle and noise,
Sales and carols, Santas and toys.

Decorations are packed, The Yule tree’s discarded.
The holiday’s over, Just as we got started….” (2)

It’s so true … if we’re not careful … all the post-Christmas bills and returns will get us down (unless, of course, we paid for it all with cash and chose perfect gifts).

Sometimes, as hard as we try, Christmas is disappointing. It’s like the child who opened all his gifts and then declared, “Is that all there is?” Or maybe there are some relationship problems. Or maybe there is so much activity and you run on adrenaline … and then you crash.  (I know it’s only the day after Christmas… it might take a bit to catch up with you!)

Here’s how I’ve always dealt with post-Christmas blues Continue reading →

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