Christmas can feel chaotic and a little crazy sometimes. The world puts so much pressure on us—pressure to buy the perfect gifts, to have a beautifully decorated home, to run around nonstop, spend money, and fill our schedules with activities.
But this season also gives us a precious opportunity to refocus on what truly matters. Instead of getting caught up in all the external, material things, we can choose to turn our hearts toward the gifts God has given us throughout the year. We can choose to be more present, to breathe and purposefully calm our minds a little more, we can choose to notice the ways we’ve seen His hand in our lives, and to give in the ways He invites us to give.
The gifts God wants from us aren’t always material or monetary. This Christmas, I invite each of us to think about the gifts He would want us to give—gifts like kindness, patience, love, peace, forgiveness, friendship…all the things our Savior Jesus Christ has taught us we can offer. So this season, let’s try to turn our attention a little more away from the world and instead offer God the true gifts of our hearts. ❤️
One of those gifts is gratitude—expressing our thankfulness through prayer for all the blessings He gives us. Another is repentance—humbly asking for forgiveness for the times we’ve fallen short or lacked love toward ourselves or others.
We can offer Him charity by being kind, mending relationships, and extending grace. We can give Him our trust. Our faith. Our love—by loving others the way He loves us.
The scriptures teach us about some of the gifts that we can offer to Him:
“Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
And the King shall answer and say unto them… Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:37–40)
We can feel God’s love by serving Him and by giving to others—but also by being humble enough to receive help, love, and kindness from others as well.
As we center our hearts on truly celebrating Christ’s birth and choose to offer these gifts to Him, we’ll find that what we give to God fills our hearts with a deeper, more lasting joy than anything material ever could.
Through prayer, we connect with Him—expressing gratitude for the gift of salvation and all He provides daily. Every act of kindness becomes an offering, reflecting the teachings of Jesus. Even the time we give in worship is a gift, acknowledging the sacredness of this season.
Let’s let our lives be living testimonies—embodying the values of Christ, recognizing the blessings we have, and willingly offering Him our best during this beautiful time of year. When we remember the gifts our Heavenly Father has given us, especially the gift of His Son, it softens and humbles us. It turns our hearts toward Him.
Giving with a pure heart fills our souls more than anything we could ever receive. Giving truly is better than receiving. ♥️
So… which gifts will you offer to God this week?
I pray this message brings you insight and helps you feel God’s immense love, mercy, forgiveness and compassion for you. That you may know that you’re never alone. ♥️ The Giver of all good gifts is with you—supporting you, strengthening you, and helping you through anything. Trust Him, believe in Him, and give Him your best! Turn your heart a little more to Him, your thoughts to be more centered on Christ and your actions, that they may be to glorify God.
Our goal for this week is to slow down our racing minds, take a moment to feel God‘s love and focus instead on a gift that we can offer to God this week. Whatever that gift is that we choose to give Him. Just notice how your heart will fill with divine light this Christmas season. 💛🎄🙏🏼
Unfortunately, CLASS IS CANCELLED TONIGHT. But hopefully we can all get together next Thursday the 18th to have our last class of 2025! Hope that you can join us for that. 🙂
For now, don’t forget to honor our body, mind, and spirit this week by doing good things for yourself. I hope that your week is anchored in Christ. Love you all!
Love,
Lili
