The tradition of exchanging gifts during Christmas is deeply ingrained in our culture. However, some Christians wonder if giving gifts aligns with biblical principles. What does the Bible say about gift-giving during Christmas? Let’s explore some key considerations.
The Example of the Magi
In Matthew 2:1-12, magi from the east brought gifts to the young Jesus. Their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh honored Jesus as king and pointed toward his divine purpose. This account provides a biblical precedent for giving gifts to honor Christ during the Advent and Christmas season.
The Focus of Christmas
While gift-giving can be a meaningful Christmas tradition, the biblical focus of Christmas is on celebrating Jesus’ birth. Luke 2:10-11 declares, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” The core message of Christmas centers on Christ’s arrival as the long-awaited Messiah and Savior of the world.
Gift-giving should not eclipse Jesus as the reason for the season. As believers celebrate Christ’s birth, gifts can be an expression of love, thankfulness, and generosity that points back to God’s gift of Jesus. However, gift-giving can become misdirected when it becomes about materialism and self-indulgence.
Generosity and Giving to the Needy
The Christmas season highlights the wonderful generosity of God. 2 Corinthians 8:9 states, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” Jesus left the riches of heaven to meet our greatest need for a Savior.
In response to Christ’s generosity, Christians are called to freely give and meet the needs of others, especially the poor and vulnerable. See Matthew 6:3-4, Acts 20:35, Galatians 2:10. Giving thoughtful, sacrificial gifts to bless others demonstrates the gospel in action.
Motivations Matter
While gift-giving is often encouraged in Scripture, motivations matter. Jesus criticized religious leaders who gave gifts to gain admiration from others rather than from a pure heart of generosity. See Matthew 6:2. God cares more about the motives behind our giving rather than just the act itself. Gifts should flow from a loving, others-focused spirit.
The Greatest Gift
Though exchanging gifts can be meaningful, Christians must remember that God has given the greatest gift through His Son. 1 John 4:10 declares, “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” Jesus Christ is God’s indescribable gift, meeting our deepest need for redemption.
Christmas gift-giving can be a reflection of the grace we’ve received in Christ. However, these gifts should not overshadow the Lord Jesus Himself. He alone satisfies our souls for eternity. The gifts under the tree eventually fade, but the gift of Christ remains forever.
Principles for God-Honoring Gift Giving
Here are some biblical principles for gift-giving that keeps Christ at the center of Christmas:
- Give freely out of love, not obligation.
- Make Christ the focus, not materialism.
- Aim for generosity that meets needs and blesses others.
- Check motives to ensure a pure heart.
- Make gift-giving an expression of God’s grace.
- Remember that only Christ brings eternal satisfaction.
Freedom in Christ
The Bible does not command or forbid gift-giving during Christmas. Believers have freedom in Christ to prayerfully decide how their family will observe spiritual aspects of the season. The main goal is keeping Christ the cornerstone of the celebration.
Romans 14:5-6 declares, “…Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.”
As long as hearts aim to glorify Christ, believers can celebrate Christ’s birth with gift-giving or choose other expressions of worship. The key is doing everything with love and thankfulness toward God.
Putting Gift Giving in Perspective
Does gift-giving at Christmas align with biblical values? There is certainly precedent and encouragement for giving gifts as worship and generosity toward others. However, some important perspectives include:
- Gifts should not eclipse Jesus as the focus.
- Guard against materialism and selfish motives.
- Aim to meet needs and give generously as an act of worship.
- Remember that only Christ brings eternal satisfaction.
- Focus on honor Christ with the freedom we have in Him.
In summary, giving gifts can be a good thing when done with a spirit of generosity, love, and celebration of Jesus. But believers must ensure their motives and practices align with biblical truth and keep their focus on God’s ultimate gift of salvation through His Son.