Category: Gifting

The Gift of Presence: Celebrating Christmas Through Acts of Service

On By Broken Walls Crushed SidewalksIn Being Present, Christian Living, Faith Tensions, Family, Gifting, Grace, Holiday, Identity, Love, Prayer, RelationshipsLeave a comment

Every December, the world buzzes with wrapping paper, shopping lists, and the pressure to find the perfect gift. But what if this year, instead of focusing on presents, we embraced the gift of presence? What if we celebrated Christmas by giving our time, love, and service—just as Jesus did when He came to dwell among us?

The True Meaning of Christmas

Christmas is more than lights and gifts; it’s the celebration of God’s greatest act of love—sending His Son, Jesus, to be with us. “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us” (John 1:14). His birth was not about grandeur but humility: a manger, not a palace. This was God’s way of saying, “I am here with you.” Presence was His gift.

Why Presence Matters More Than Presents

Material gifts fade, but memories of love and togetherness last forever. Being present means showing up—fully engaged, without distractions. It’s listening, laughing, and sharing life. In a world that often feels disconnected, presence is the most precious gift we can give.

Acts of Service: Reflecting Christ’s Love

Jesus didn’t just come to be served; He came to serve. “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). This Christmas, let’s follow His example through simple acts of kindness:

  • Volunteer at a local shelter or food bank.
  • Help an elderly neighbor with errands or chores.
  • Write heartfelt notes to those who need encouragement.
  • Spend time with someone who feels alone.

These acts speak louder than any wrapped gift—they echo the heart of Christ.

How to Make This Shift

  • Create a Presence Plan: Instead of a gift list, plan meaningful moments—family meals, game nights, worship together.
  • Talk About Gratitude: Share what you’re thankful for and how you’ve seen God’s love this year.
  • Serve Together: Make service a family tradition—choose one act of kindness each week leading up to Christmas.

Ask yourself:

  1. How can I be more present with my family and friends this Christmas?
  2. What act of service can I commit to this week that reflects Christ’s love?
  3. How does remembering Jesus’ humility change the way I celebrate Christmas?

Conclusion

Christmas is not about what’s under the tree; it’s about who’s around it—and the love we share. Jesus gave us the ultimate gift: Himself. This year, let’s give what truly matters—our time, our hearts, and our hands in service.

“This Christmas, let’s celebrate His presence by being present.”

How To Give the Perfect Gift

On By Broken Walls Crushed SidewalksIn Gifting, HolidayLeave a comment

What is meant to be the most meaningful part of Christmas can often be the most stressful.  Instead of adding to the joy of the season, gifting often depletes the season of its meaning.  Here are some suggestions to help you give the perfect gift.

giving heart

Gifting should come from a willing heart.  It is something that is willingly done.  If you are feeling obligated to give a gift, ask yourself “why”?  If you are unable to come up with a satisfactory reason then maybe you don’t need to give a gift.  However, part of the answer to “why” lies in determining if not giving a gift will create more stress or hurt feelings.  If the answer is yes, you’ve discovered YOUR will for giving.   You’re giving a gift to keep the peace which is an appropriate reason to give a gift.  This kind of gift doesn’t have to be stressful.  A box of chocolates will likely suffice.  However, for those more important gifts, read on.

Gifting should come from a sacrificial heart.  Giving to the special people in your life can often reflect a willingness to sacrifice for them.  Although, we should always be mindful of not spending foolishly, this is not the time to offer the almost gift.  The gift that is almost what the other person wants but really screams that you tried to get out of it as cheap as possible.  That just says that you were focused on self and not the receiver.  Gifting should be about the other person, so, if you’re shopping beyond your means it’s about you not the receiver.  Too often gifting stress comes from timefeeling that it has to cost money that you may not have.  That’s okay.  A gift of time can often mean more than any monetary sacrifice and may be the most sacrificial gift.

Gifting should come from a knowing heart.  A gift is meaningful because you thought about the other person.  It reflects back to the receiver that they’ve been seen, heard and are known to and by the giver.  This may mean purchasing a gift or it may mean sacrificing your time to do what is meaningful to them.

Suggestions for gifts of time;

  1. Sitting and visiting
  2. Completing a project that the receiver has wanted done (cleaning out that space, cleaning out their car or getting the oil changed)
  3. Time weekly/monthly to engage in a hobby together
  4. Taking them on car rides to places that are meaningful to them
  5. Making cookies or gingerbread houses
  6. Come up with some of your own based on the desires of the receiver

Gifting doesn’t have to be stressful if you remember to give from a willing, sacrificial and knowing heart.