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 are four suggestions:
1. Bible study materials
A new Bible translation, a good commentary, a new note-taking journal—anything that makes Bible study more purposeful. If one of your friends or family members enjoys drawing, consider buying them a journaling Bible. Creative Bible journaling helps me stay focused and "draw" meaning from Scripture (pun intended 😊).
2. A date with Jesus
When I wrote about having a "coffee date" with Jesus, many of my readers loved the idea. I give you permission to make a copy of that devotion.* You can then give it with a gift card for a coffee shop where a loved one can sit for several hours doing Bible study with the Lord, away from the daily grind. If applicable, tuck in some money for babysitting as well.
3. A Christian book, biography, or devotional
The more we fill our minds with good Christian content, the more we grow. Missionary biographies are especially faith-building. See A Great Cloud. Solidly biblical devotionals are also great gifts, but please steer clear of the popular Jesus Calling. I hope you'll consider the Bible Love Notes Wisdom for Life Devotional which helps busy people start their day with a one-minute focus on the Lord.
4. Information about free Christian resources
In holiday conversations, talk about free resources for Bible study such as Bible Hub, Open Bible Info, or YouVersion which offer a variety of Bible study tools. And don't forget to recommend a free subscription to 1-Minute Bible Love Notes to your friends at Christmastime.
The most valuable thing we can do is grow closer to our Lord. So please consider ways you can help your loved ones do that this holiday season!
* If you make a copy of the devotion, please put "Used with permission of Gail Purath, BibleLoveNotes.com" on the copy. Thanks!
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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