If you have been a regular reader of my blog; you know I love to look at some of the more obscure details in life. You are familiar with my style of writing; perhaps not always grammatically correct, but more conversational in nature and function. You also know to start by reading the title as it often gives you a hint into the topic, and sometimes an interesting twist, as is the case today. I am also very well aware that most people do not carry a Bible with them; instead reading my blog via their phone, and because I believe reading the appropriate Scriptures is important for understanding; I will almost always print out the entire Bible text as a convenience to you. This brings us to today!
Ah, yes! Christmas week! The season of holiday cheer, festive decorations, strings of bright lights, fancy wrapped packages with glittering bows, cookies, parties, shopping, shopping, shopping... It’s a wonderful time—a busy time—a time when, according to The Statistic Portal, Americans will spend an average of approximately $794 on Christmas gifts. Out of curiosity, I investigated another online site, CreditDonkey.com (yes, there really is such a site and it can be accessed at https://www.creditdonkey.com/gift-giving.html). It seems Credit Donkey polled 1,076 Americans age 18 and over during October 7-11, 2013, just over ten years ago. At that time, the following percentages were discovered:
· Gift cards: 82% want to receive gift cards; 69% plan to give gift cards
· Electronics: 76% want to receive electronics; 63% plan to give electronics
· Clothing: 68% want to receive clothing; 59% plan to give clothing
· Books: 62% want to receive books; 58% plan to give books
· Toys: 56% plan to give toys; with 79% of parents planning to give toys
· 43% of those polled admitted they will get a gift for themselves
· 54% will return gifts given to them (unless it is a gift card)
That was a little more than 10 years ago. I am certain the percentage of people wanting books now would be considerably reduced, especially given that most people if they read, use an electronic device.
For the Christian, our perspective on Christmas gifts takes a different focus.
John 3:16-17 (NIV) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Romans 6:23 (NIV) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 10:13 (NIV) Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
For us, the primary gift given on the very first “Christmas” day was the gift of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God. On that First Advent, he came as a baby to begin the plan of salvation that will eventually culminate in his Second Advent—the Blessed Hope for which we wait. No other gift to us, no matter how ornamentally wrapped, could ever compare with God’s gift of his Beloved Son.
Gracious Heavenly Father,
While the frenzied shopping continues for just the right gift to give someone...we humbly and gratefully thank you for giving us the Perfect Gift. Help us to share the Good News of your Perfect Gift with others.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
The devotional Christmas According to Credit Donkey appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com
Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Thompson Chain-Reference® Bible, New International Version® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1983 by Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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