Giving gifts at Christmas is a beloved tradition for many, but have you ever wondered if the Bible has anything to say about it? While the Bible doesn’t directly address the modern practice of exchanging gifts during the Christmas season, it does speak to the concepts of generosity, giving, and love. How do these biblical principles apply to our holiday traditions? Let’s take a look at what Scripture says about giving, especially during the time when we celebrate the greatest gift of all—Jesus.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Spirits Of Loved Ones
What Does The Bible Say About Giving Gifts At Christmas
Matthew 2:11
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”
This verse recounts the story of the Wise Men who visited Jesus after his birth and presented him with gifts. It demonstrates the act of giving gifts as an expression of worship and honor towards Jesus. Just as the Wise Men offered valuable gifts to Jesus, we can also give gifts to others as a symbol of love, appreciation, and adoration during the Christmas season.
Gift-giving can be a way to show our gratitude for the ultimate gift of Christ’s birth and sacrifice. It allows us to share the joy of the season and demonstrate our love for others. However, it is important to remember that the true meaning of Christmas goes beyond material gifts and lies in the gift of God’s love and salvation through Jesus Christ.
Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.””
This verse reminds us of the words of Jesus, emphasizing the blessings that come from giving rather than receiving. Christmas is a time when generosity and compassion are often emphasized, and this verse reminds us that giving is not only an act of love but also brings blessings to the giver.
As Christians, we are called to help the weak and less fortunate. Giving gifts during Christmas can be an opportunity to reach out to those in need, whether it be through charitable donations or acts of kindness. When we selflessly give to others, we reflect the love and generosity of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
This verse highlights the blessings that come from having a generous and giving spirit. When we give to others, whether it be through material gifts, acts of service, or kind words, we not only bless those receiving but also open ourselves up to receive blessings in return.
During Christmas, the act of giving can bring joy and fulfillment to both the giver and the recipient. As we give and refresh others, we experience a sense of purpose and satisfaction. It is a reminder of the abundant love and provision of God, who has blessed us with resources to bless others.
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
This verse emphasizes the principle of generosity and the law of reciprocity. When we give to others, God promises that it will be returned to us in abundance.
Christmas is a time when many embrace the spirit of giving. Whether it is giving gifts to loved ones, donating to charities, or extending acts of kindness, this verse reminds us that our generosity will not go unnoticed or unrewarded.
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
This verse encourages us to give with a joyful and willing heart. It reminds us that giving should not be done out of obligation or pressure, but with a spirit of joy and gratitude towards God.
During Christmas, it is important to remember that the heart behind our giving matters more than the value of the gifts. God looks at the intentions and motivations of our hearts when we give. Let us give cheerfully and with a spirit of love, reflecting the heart of our generous Heavenly Father.
1 Timothy 6:18
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
This verse encourages believers to be generous and willing to share with others. It reminds us that our earthly possessions are meant to be used for the benefit of others, especially those in need.
Christmas presents an opportunity for us to embrace this call to generosity and share what we have with those less fortunate. It is a time to be intentional about performing good deeds and extending a helping hand to those who are struggling. Let us use this season to be a blessing to others, reflecting the love and compassion of Christ.
Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
This verse encourages believers to share with those in need and to practice hospitality. Christmas is a time when we can extend our hearts and homes to those who may be lonely, hurting, or lacking basic necessities.
As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us remember that he came to bring hope and healing to a broken world. By opening our doors and hearts to others, we can be a tangible expression of Christ’s love and provide comfort and support to those who need it most.
Galatians 6:9-10
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
This passage reminds us to persevere in doing good and not to grow weary. It encourages us to seize every opportunity to do good to all people, particularly to our fellow believers.
During the Christmas season, it can be easy to become overwhelmed or discouraged in our efforts to give and serve others. However, we must remember that our acts of kindness and generosity are not in vain. God sees and rewards our faithfulness. Let us continue to do good, trusting that our efforts will bear fruit in due time.
James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
This verse reminds us that every good and perfect gift comes from God, who is the ultimate source of all blessings. Christmas is a time when we celebrate the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ, who was given to us by the Father’s love.
As we exchange gifts during the holiday season, let us remember that everything we have is a gift from God. He has entrusted us with resources and blessings, and it is our responsibility to use them wisely and share them with others. By acknowledging God as the giver of all good things, we cultivate a spirit of gratitude and stewardship in our hearts.
Acts 4:32
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.”
This verse describes the early Christians who shared everything they had, demonstrating a spirit of unity and selflessness. It paints a picture of a community where generosity and caring for one another were prevalent.
During the Christmas season, let us strive to emulate this unity and generosity within our own communities. We can share our resources, time, and talents with others, fostering a sense of togetherness and support. By being selfless and putting the needs of others before our own, we reflect the love and self-sacrifice of Christ.
2 Corinthians 8:9
“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 through his poverty might become rich.”
This verse highlights the selflessness and sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. He willingly gave up his heavenly riches and took on poverty in order to bring us into spiritual abundance and reconciliation with God.
During the Christmas season, we remember and celebrate this incredible act of love and grace. It serves as a reminder that our giving should reflect the same spirit of selflessness and sacrifice. As we give to others, let us do so with a heart filled with gratitude and a desire to share the love and blessings we have received from Christ.
Luke 10:30-37
“Jesus said: ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?’ The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.””
This parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates the call to love and care for our neighbors as ourselves. It shows that true compassion involves taking action and meeting the needs of those who are hurting or in distress.
During the Christmas season, we can apply this lesson by being attentive to the needs of those around us. It is not enough to simply acknowledge someone’s struggle; we must be moved with compassion and actively seek ways to help and support them. Let us follow the example of the Good Samaritan and show practical love and kindness to those in need.
Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
This verse highlights the blessings that come from sharing with the poor and being generous. It reinforces the idea that our generosity and compassion towards others will not go unrewarded.
Christmas is a time when many reflect on their blessings and seek opportunities to give back. This verse reminds us that as we share our resources and extend a helping hand to the less fortunate, we position ourselves to receive God’s blessings in return. It is a beautiful reminder of the reciprocal nature of kindness and generosity.
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
In this verse, Jesus teaches that acts of kindness and compassion towards others are seen as acts done unto Him. When we care for the poor, the marginalized, and those in need, we are directly serving and loving Jesus.
During Christmas, as we exchange gifts and extend kindness to others, let us remember that our actions have a deeper meaning. Each act of generosity and love is an opportunity to show our love and gratitude to our Savior. By embracing the mindset that serving others is serving Christ, we can approach giving with a renewed zeal and passion.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of showing kindness and caring for the poor. It reveals that when we extend help and support to those in need, we are actually offering our resources to the Lord.
During the Christmas season, let us be intentional about being kind and generous towards those who are less fortunate. When we give to charities, volunteer our time, or provide aid to the poor and vulnerable, we are not only fulfilling our call to serve others but also lending to the Lord Himself. We can trust that He sees our acts of kindness and will reward us according to His perfect plan.
Luke 14:12-14
“Then Jesus said to his host, ‘When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’”
In this passage, Jesus encourages us to extend hospitality and generosity to those who cannot repay us. The act of giving should not be driven by personal gain or social expectations but should flow from a heart of compassion towards the less fortunate.
During the Christmas season, let us challenge ourselves to step outside of our comfort zones and reach out to those who are often overlooked or marginalized. Whether it is inviting the lonely, supporting a local shelter, or volunteering our time, let us emulate the love and inclusiveness of Jesus by extending our hospitality and generosity to those in need.
Proverbs 3:27
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of not withholding good from those who deserve it when we have the ability to help.
During the Christmas season, there are countless opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of others. As we engage in acts of charity or encounter individuals in need, let us remember this verse and be mindful of the power we have to make a difference. By embracing a mindset of action and compassion, we can play our part in spreading kindness, love, and hope during this special time of year.
Matthew 10:8
“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”
This verse is a commandment from Jesus to his disciples, instructing them to freely give what they have received. It encourages us to be channels of God’s healing and blessings to those in need.
During the Christmas season, let us remember that the true essence of giving extends beyond material gifts. We have received the ultimate gift of God’s grace and salvation through Jesus Christ. Therefore, let us freely give to others in whatever way we can, whether it be through acts of service, prayer, encouragement, or sharing the good news of the Gospel. May our generosity and compassion reflect the abundant love and grace that we have received from our Heavenly Father.
Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
This verse encourages believers to continually do good and to share with others. It reminds us that acts of kindness and sharing bring pleasure to God.
During the Christmas season, it is important to remember that giving and sharing go beyond material possessions. We can extend acts of kindness, support, and encouragement to others. By sacrificing our time, resources, and energy for the well-being of others, we bring delight to our Heavenly Father and reflect His character to the world. Let us embrace the joy of giving and sharing, knowing that it brings delight to the heart of God.
1 John 3:17
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”
This verse challenges us to examine our hearts and actions towards those in need. It highlights that our love for God is reflected in our love and compassion towards others, especially when we have the means to help.
During the Christmas season, as we are surrounded by messages of love and compassion, let us not merely be moved by sentiment but be compelled to take action. If we have the ability to alleviate the needs of our brothers and sisters, we should do so with a heart of pity and empathy. By extending material and emotional support, we demonstrate the love of God that dwells in us.
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
This verse teaches that love is the fulfillment of the law and that it should never cause harm to others. When we love our neighbors, we honor God’s commandments and reflect His character.
During the Christmas season, let us remember that love and compassion should be the driving forces behind our giving. Our acts of kindness and generosity should never harm or exploit others, but rather uplift, encourage, and meet genuine needs. By loving our neighbors selflessly, we not only fulfill God’s law but also create a positive and transformative impact on the lives of those around us.
Matthew 6:2-4
“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
In this verse, Jesus teaches about the importance of giving without seeking recognition or praise from others. He encourages His followers to give with a humble and sincere heart, knowing that their Heavenly Father sees and will reward their acts of kindness.
During the Christmas season, an abundance of charitable causes and opportunities for giving may arise. As we engage in acts of generosity and service, let us do so quietly and without seeking personal gain or attention. Instead, let us lovingly and selflessly give, knowing that God sees our hearts and actions, and will reward us accordingly. May our giving truly be an expression of our love for others and devotion to God.