WHAT SHALL I GIVE HIM? Last-Minute Presents for Jesus

Is Jesus on your Christmas giving list?

If you haven’t thought about it yet, here are some ideas for your last-minute “shopping” based on the gifts brought to Jesus by the Magi.

1. Give him gold

This one’s pretty obvious — what can you give of your treasure?

Maybe you already give an extra check to your Parish or a favorite charity, or you give to a family in need. If not: what can you give back out of what God has given you, whether it is time, talent, or treasure? Even if it’s the widow’s mite. Anything we give “to the least of these,” we give to the Lord.

2. Give him worship

The second gift the kings brought was frankincense, an incense that was burned in the temple. The gift of worship is one of the best things we can give.

You may have already added things to your routine during Advent, maybe praying around the Advent wreath or going to Adoration. But if not, the Christmas season is just beginning! Consider spending time before the manger in your house or at church, pondering what it means that God became one of us and thanking him. In the relatively slow weeks following Christmas day, how can you show the Lord you love him?

3. Give your burdens

The carol “We Three Kings” calls the third gift, myrrh, a “bitter perfume.” It’s an embalming spice. That doesn’t seem much like a gift until you consider that here’s where we can lay down our burdens, all those things that tend toward death in our lives. Give Jesus your selfishness, your fears, your cynicism, your pain. Empty yourself so you can receive the gift that he has for you.

Blessings on you as you finish preparing for Christmas!

 

©2017 Sarah Christmyer