Giving Gifts to God

What can we give God for Christmas
By Debbie Roome

It’s less than a month to Christmas and the pace is accelerating. I’m sure it’s the same where you are. My calendar is jammed full of engagements, dinners and shows ... and most of the time I love it. I have a special bonus this year. My parents and sister are visiting from South Africa and we’ll be together for Christmas for the first time in four years.

It’s a wonderful season but sometimes we lose sight of what is really important. As you celebrate over the next few weeks, here are a few pointers to think about.

Give your Gifts and Talents to God
Christmas is a creative time and our writing talents can be put to good use. Think along the lines of plays, stories and reporting on Christmas events. I’m involved in our local community carols and although it is a secular event, it is organized by a group of Christians. I’m playing keyboard and I’ve written a story to read as part of the fun – but it has a message of hope and love woven into it. Ask God for openings where you can use your gifts to honor Him this Christmas.

Give your Time to God
Time with God is often compromised at Christmas. Everything seems to speed up and quiet times are delayed, cancelled or forgotten. Last year, I made a point of reading the Christmas story from the Bible every day. It was amazing how real it became to me ... and I plan to do the same this December. If you make a firm decision to base your Christmas on God, you’ll be amazed at the peace and joy you can experience in the midst of chaos.

Give yourselves to God
Christmas is the season where we remember God’s incredible gift to us. He gave us Jesus as a tiny baby, knowing He would one day die to pay for our sins. Christmas is a time where we celebrate the birth of Jesus ... but also a time where we can give ourselves to God in a greater measure.

As December approaches, I encourage you to plan your days with God in the center of them – let Him be the thread that runs through all your plans, all your dreams and all your hopes - and then relax and enjoy time with friends and family.

Debbie Roome works as a freelance writer from her home in New Zealand. Visit her at Debbie Roome or read some of her work at Suite 101 , Take Root and Write and Faithwriters.