“Pop guns! And bicycles! Roller skates! Drums! Checkerboards! Tricycles! Popcorn! And plums!”
An American Christmas, one might say, in the words of Dr. Seuss’ Grinch. It’s a holiday that has become focused on gifts, the ‘what am I going to get.’
Now, presents aren’t bad, as the Grinch finds out. But is the true meaning of giving still present at all?
So why do we give on Christmas anyway? There may be many historical explanations, but let us look at the instances of giving we are meant to reflect.
In the Christmas story, there are two moments of giving: that of Jesus to the world and that of the wise men.
Both of these are generous gifts. Jesus is given freely by the Father to us; a gift of love by our Creator and Father. The wise men give the precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, without being expected to bring anything; they could have just come to see Jesus, as the shepherds did.
These gifts are also meaningful. Jesus was sent to us with the loving mission of the Father: to bring God’s people back to Him. The wise men’s gifts were also packed with significance; it wasn’t just what they happened to have in their sacks at the time. Divinity, sovereignty, nuptiality (God’s love relationship with us), and death are all symbolized by their offerings.
Furthermore, both are gifts of presence. The Father gifted Jesus—a person—to us; truly, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). The wise men also gave their presence to Christ. They did not just send the gifts through someone else but actually came to adore the Christ Child. They brought, most importantly, the offering of their very selves, their love and time.
What does this tell us when we reflect on our gift-giving this Christmas? Let it be in imitation of the gifts of God the Father and of the wise men. May they be generous; may they be imbued with meaning; and may they include the offering of our presence.
“’Maybe Christmas,’ [the Grinch] thought, ‘doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas . . . perhaps . . . means a little bit more!’”
Here at Windy Prairie we offer some warm winter gift options including travel mugs, beanies, ball caps, t-shirts (upon request), and of course freshly roasted coffee beans.
Or maybe sitting down to spend time with a loved one over some delicious coffee is the only gift necessary this year.
Merry Christmas from us at Windy Prairie Coffee!