Watauga County

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”  James 1:17

I have a confession to make: I am a recovering practical gift giver. I like to give things that I know people can use. I don’t like to purchase frilly gifts or ones that won’t last. I want to give something that you can use and that could potentially benefit your life.

Exhibit A: Stockings. When it comes to filling stockings each year for my family, I give them practical gifts. Toothbrushes, pencils, toothpaste, floss picks, chapstick, gum, and deodorant are all perfect stocking stuffers in my practical mind.

Exhibit B: Dustin’s gifts from me. For years, I would give Dustin the same things each year for Christmas because he needed them: new socks, undershirts, work pants, and work shirts, and maybe even a new necktie, if I found a good deal on one.

What can I say? I am a practical gal! Now, who wants me to draw their name at the Christmas get-together?!?!

Giving practical gifts is not a problem, so to speak, but I have to remember that there needs to be a balance.

When thinking of our giving, I often think of the Dutch Paraphrase of 1 Chronicles 29:14b, which says, “All we have comes from God and we give it out of His hand.”

Everything I have has come from God, and I am giving it out of His hands. Wow! What a relief that God is the ultimate Provider of everything! And what a responsibility it is to be doing God’s giving. It is a mind-shift change for me as I consider what gifts to give or not to give.

My gift-giving mindset’s natural tendency is to think, “What does this person need?” But recently, the Lord has been gracious to show me that it is okay to give a gift that someone would want as well.

God does this ALL THE TIME. God is the ultimate giver of all good things, and He provides for me all the things I need and often the things I want, as well. So, I can be grateful to Him and follow His lead.

This Advent season, if you are purchasing gifts for those you love and appreciate, I want to encourage you to remember that you are being a vessel for God’s good giving when you give a gift. So, ask Him what He would like for you to give, and watch as the recipients of these gifts enjoy receiving what the Lord has laid on your heart to give.

Take Time to Reflect

• How do you look at gift-giving? As an opportunity to bless or an obligation to fulfill?
• Re-read the Dutch paraphrase of 1 Chronicles 29:14b above. Does knowing that everything you have comes from God change your perspective at all on giving?
• Take a moment to read over your gift-giving list and pray for all the gifts you plan to give this Christmas season. Ask the Lord to direct your paths and to use your gifts to point the recipients to Him.

Take Time to Pray

Lord God, You are the ultimate giver of all good gifts. Thank You for the opportunity to give gifts as a reflection of Your goodness. I ask that you direct every step of this process this holiday season. Show me what to purchase for whom and what words to give in cards and letters. Lord, may everything that I give or offer this Christmas season be an offering to You first and foremost. I love You, Lord, and I cannot thank You enough for all that You have given me. Amen.

Written by Daphne Petrey

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Daphne Petrey has lived in Ashe county for over twenty years and loves doing life with her husband, Dustin and three daughters.  She serves as the Women’s Ministry Coordinator for Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Boone. 

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