The Best Christmas Gift of All Time

Have you received a Christmas gift yet? If so, you are among the fortunate. If not, there is no need to be discouraged. That does not mean the people around you do not love you.

The end of the year really is the season for receiving (and also giving) gifts. If you are someone who receives a present or a gift, of course you will be happy. What the gift is can be sorted out later. Receiving a gift brings joy, which shows that someone cares about you. 

However, did you know that giving turns out to be far more joyful than receiving? Two studies prove this. Giving activates the hormones oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins, which make us feel happy and satisfied. Indeed, giving requires something to be sacrificed, but when you make someone happy, do you not feel happy yourself?

The Best and Most Beautiful Gift

Giving is one thing. Deciding what to give is another. Even Christmas gifts can be quite complicated. Starting with who we want to give to, setting a budget, and then choosing the gift. But did you know that there is actually one best Christmas gift that everyone desperately needs? And this gift is not seasonal. You can give this gift anytime. 

Not only that, the gift you give is far more valuable than any material present. There is nothing wrong with giving material gifts, but this Christmas gift will be far more precious than any present. When you give this gift, you will feel extraordinary joy. 

What gift is it? Your life.

Making Your Life a Christmas Gift

OK. You may be confused. My life as a gift? How does that work?

Let's begin with Romans 12:1. Therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercy of God I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God: this is your true worship. 

Here, Paul is giving instruction to the church about how they can live after receiving God's grace of salvation.

But what does it mean to ‘present your body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God’? Paul here uses the Jewish offering as a comparison. When the Jews were about to offer a sacrifice, it had to be the best, without blemish, and pleasing to God.

This is Paul's meaning: a life without blemish is the life that must be offered to God. A life that obeys God's Word, loves God and others, that is the best Christmas gift you can give. And this is also what the Lord desires, that we give our lives to love God and others with all our heart. 

Jesus answered him: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." –  Matthew 22:37-40

Beautiful, isn't it? When you can give your life by showing love, strengthening the weak, giving to those in need, becoming a good child, parent, and friend ? When you give your life for others, you are also changing the world. The world can see Jesus in your life. And your life becomes a blessing to them.

A Long-Term Gift

There is nothing wrong with giving Christmas gifts to the people you love. Of course that is good. They will be happy to receive them too, especially if what you give matches their needs . But on average, gifts will be forgotten as time goes by. If you give your life as a gift, its effect will also be felt.

Relationships that are good will be built. They can also be inspired by your life and be changed. You too will be loved by God and by others. And most importantly, the Lord will surely be pleased with you. 

Your life is the best gift of all time, not only in this Christmas season, but forever. Let us continually give the best gift to God and to others, namely our lives. Merry Christmas! The Lord Jesus bless you.

References: www.firstthings.org/why-giving-makes-you-happy www.greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/5_ways_giving_is_good_for_you           -  Related Articles:

• What Is the Best Gift for Your Birthday?
• Tired of Giving? Here's How to Overcome It!
• 3 Christmas Messages for Us
• Young and Trendy in God's Eyes: A Lifestyle That Pleases Him
• Everyone Can Become an Inspiring Giver      

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