We all love giving and receiving gifts. As long as we don't spend beyond our means, it's a special holiday tradition.
But one thing I'm trying to do at Christmas is give people at least one gift with a spiritual focus.
I've always loved this short, pithy proverb:
"Buy truth, and do not sell it, Get wisdom and instruction and understanding." Proverbs 23:23
It encourages me to add some wisdom, instruction, and understanding to my gift list. The possibilities are endless, but here's 4 general ideas:
1. Bible study materials
A new Bible version or devotional book - anything that makes Bible study more purposeful.
Creative Bible journaling has become a popular way to stay focused and "draw" meaning from Scripture (pun intended 😊). If one of your friends or family members enjoys drawing, you can give them colored pencils, highlighters, journals, or journaling Bibles.
2. A date with Jesus
When I wrote about having a coffee date with Jesus, many of my readers loved the idea. Why not buy a gift card at a coffee shop or restaurant, explain the purpose, and tuck in some babysitting money, if needed.
3. A Christian book or downloadable praise music
The more we fill our minds with good Christian content, the more we grow. Missionary biographies are especially faith-building. See A Great Cloud. I hope you'll consider the Bible Love Notes Wisdom for Life Devotional (see info below this devotion).
4. And don't forget to recommend free subscriptions to 1-Minute Bible Love Notes or Bite Size Bible Study to your friends at Christmastime. It's an easy way to stay focused on Jesus throughout the year. (And they can get a free e-booklet that adds meaning to their quiet time when they sign up: Subscribe).
I definitely think keeping a journal helps. I use notes i use gel pens i listen to different things.
ReplyDeleteI like to order about 25 Our Daily Bread's and include them or leave in conspicuous spots.
ReplyDeleteI like to give books to my friends in genres they like, but written by Christian authors and with Christian values, eg Love Inspired Suspence. I also like to gift Christian Family Movies. I have also given a daily devotional that covers the full new year.
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