By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Love anchors Christmas into the hearts of all those who celebrate Peace on Earth Good Will to Men.
The older we become, the more we enjoy gift-giving. We want our loved ones to receive the perfect item, one they will remember and treasure. We also want to remember those less fortunate—the people we may never meet. We don’t always have the money to purchase what others long for. But we can offer a token of our heart.
- The gift of prayer. Prayer blesses the giver and the recipient. The recipient doesn’t have to be those we know by name, but people who are in need. When we pray, God listens.
- The gift of service. We all have chores we like and some we detest. Is your most undesirable task one you could perform for another person? Whether it’s laundry, yard work, planting flowers, taking out trash, raking leaves, washing dishes, mucking a horse stall, or cleaning windows, the recipient will appreciate our effort.
- The gift of art. Many of us are talented in one or more of the arts. Whether it’s dance, music, painting, sculpture, video, or photography, art enhances the recipient with beauty.
- The gift of culinary expertise. Many find cooking or baking a drudgery. But for those who enjoy food preparation, it’s a true joy for us and others to receive. Prepare a meal for the person or persons on your list. Watch their eyes light up and listen to their praises for your thoughtfulness.
- The gift of creativity. While writing is an art, the sentimental value of a poem, short story, article, fiction, or nonfiction is a personal love letter.
- The gift of time. It’s been said time is priceless, and the quote is true. A one-on-one visit, a phone chat, or Zoom-like session causes others to feel cherished, loved, and important. Shut-ins and people who are ill aren’t the only ones who value a special slice of our time.
- The gift of hope. Does anyone on your list need encouragement, faith in God, self-confidence, or an expectation for the future? Hope is another priceless gift given as a personal touch tied with a huge bow of love.
- The gift of mentoring. We all have a special trait that others could use. Consider the joy of mentoring a child, a new Christian, a person who longs to learn a craft or skill, a newly engaged couple, etc.
- The gift of transportation. This item comes in various forms from meals-on-wheels, driving an ill person to a doctor’s appointment, offering to transport someone to church, assisting in a volunteer capacity, and the list goes on.
- The gift of love. The greatest gift we can offer is to love others, not simply those who are dear to us but the unlovable. Be Jesus to people who need to experience the power of unconditional love.
- The gift of listening. We’ve all been in situations where we longed for someone to listen to what’s troubling us. There’s a reason why we were given two ears and one mouth.
- The gift of hospitality. During the holidays, people who are alone can slip into depression. Invite others into your home and give the gift of hospitality.
What is another way you can give a Christmas gift from your heart?
