Preparing for Christmas 2024

Who is excited for Christmas? I am excited to see people have the emotions of Christmas. The love, kindness, and joy seems to be missing the rest of the year for some. The world creeps in during those months. I put my Christmas tree up two weeks ago! Two of the hardest parts of Christmas is buying presents (everything is expensive) and deciding what to give to who.

Guidelines for Christmas Shopping in 2024:

1) Give something that will help them long-term.

Matthew 6:19-21 = 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

2) Give them the gift of knowing Jesus.

Matthew 19:23-26 = 23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” 26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

3) Do Not Give Gifts Like the World Gives.

Romans 12:2 = 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Matthew 16:26 = 26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

The Best Gift Is Already Paid For.

Galatians 3:13 = 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”

Tell people about Jesus. Send a church invite. Have people over for bible study. Jesus already paid for this gift. Even if people do not understand they need it, have the courage to step out of the typical gift giving ideas and plant the seed of faith. Faith will last longer than any items that stores can offer.

As always, God loves you, I love you, and I will be praying for you! Have a blessed week!