Day 3 | Uninspiring Gifts

The True Gifts of Christmas

Dear Friends,

Welcome to Day 3 of our 12 Days of Christmas Joy! Today, we are reflecting on the true gifts of Christmas—the kind that can't be wrapped in paper, but are felt deeply in the heart. In Barbara M. Britton’s story of her journey through breast cancer during the Christmas season, we’re reminded that sometimes, the greatest gifts we can offer are simple acts of love, encouragement, and presence.

The shepherds didn’t bring extravagant presents to Jesus, but their gifts were priceless: they brought joy, worship, and testimony. As you read Barbara's reflection, consider how you can give the same gifts this season—whether it’s offering a word of encouragement, sharing your testimony, or simply being present with those around you.

Encouraging you in God’s truth,

P.S. As you reflect on these true gifts, we encourage you to share your thoughts with us—what are the "uninspiring" gifts that have meant the most to you this year? Let’s continue to encourage one another in this season of joy!

Uninspiring Gifts

By: Barbara M. Britton

Each year I promise myself that I am going to be ready for Christmas. I commit to buying gifts in the fall and having my Christmas cards mailed the day after Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, those lofty goals never happen.

In December of 2015, I had an excuse to be late with my Christmas shopping and card writing. I was battling breast cancer. My lumpectomy in October was supposed to rid my body of cancer. The best laid plans of doctors and surgeons didn’t come to fruition. I needed radical surgery and the operation had me in the hospital in December.

You might think I was depressed and down about the situation, but through the trial of cancer, I grew closer to God. Certainly, I focused on getting healthy, but I had ample time in the quiet moments of the surgical ward to pray to God and know that hundreds of other saints prayed for me too.

I cherished the gift of each new day as I contemplated the enormity of my situation. And I praised God for the surgeons and medical care that could give me more time on earth with my family and friends.

When the shepherds heard the angelic proclamation of Jesus’ birth, they raced to the manger to see Jesus. They told Mary and Joseph about what they had seen in the fields. Mary treasured their comments and stored them in her heart (Luke 2:19). The shepherds didn’t bring fancy gifts to Jesus. They showed up to encourage his parents, recount the angelic testimony, and to dwell with their Savior. You might say that they brought joy to a cramped stable.

Isn’t it ironic that we can name the gifts of the Magi, but we don’t focus on the important gifts of the shepherds?

Surgery is a great excuse to be behind on Christmas shopping, but after being in the hospital at Christmastime, I saw that the true gifts God gives us cannot be wrapped in paper and bows. If you’re behind in your shopping or if you’re feeling overwhelmed with holiday happenings, remember the gifts the shepherds gave to Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and the citizens of Bethlehem.

• Abide with people

• Be joyous

• Speak encouraging words

• Praise God

• Share your testimony

Those ecstatic, effervescent shepherds in the gospel of Luke gave the best Christmas gifts.

We have the wonderful gift of a Savior and breath in our lungs to praise Him every day. In the hustle and bustle of the season, may we race like those shepherds toward our Bibles, to church, to share the Gospel, and to the places God destined us to be. Even if that place is a hospital in December.

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Read:

• Luke 2:8-20; Philippians 4:4

Reflect:

• Has the hustle and bustle of Christmas taken your eyes off Jesus? What is something you can do each day to truly focus on your Savior?

• Can you think of someone who needs a simple gift? Pray for that special someone. If you have time, send them a card or bake them a Christmas treat.

• What is one gift that you can stop and thank Jesus for at this moment? Even if it is one that is strengthening your faith?

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Thank You, Father, for giving me Your Son. Thank You for a Savior that fully lived, fully loved, and gave His life so that I can have eternal life with You. Strengthen me during this busy season and help me keep Christ as my focus this Christmas. Encourage me to revel in the precious gift of Jesus. May I have the excitement and joy of those lowly shepherds who ran to see Jesus, leaving their earthly possessions behind. Glory to God in the Highest! Amen.