Christmas Gift Shopping GuideSample

GIVE MORE THAN YOU WANT TO

The first obvious way to give a gift that causes some inconvenience to you is by giving more than you want to. 

In the Bible, we find many examples of people who most likely thought twice before giving their extravagant gifts. I can imagine the boy in John 6 thinking that a miracle would also be possible with only three loaves and one fish. But he decided to give a gift of inconvenience. Instead of enjoying his lunch while Jesus sorts out the rest of the people, he gave more. The woman with the alabaster jar made the same inconvenient choice.

In Mark 14, we read that the perfume in the woman's alabaster jar was worth a whole year's wages. I am sure that half of it would still be an extremely generous gift. But that would not have been inconvenient! She could have stopped at any time as she watched her fortune flowing over Jesus' head. But she gave more. 

How do you feel when spending money on gifts for your loved ones? Do you worry about not being able to afford a luxury for yourself if you spend too much?

Why not sacrifice some of your own convenience when giving Christmas gifts this year? Instead of buying takeaway coffee, fill a travel mug during December and add the savings to buy a special gift. Instead of buying a new outfit for the office Christmas party, wear one from a previous year and buy a quality gift for someone special.

I hope that your gifts of inconvenience will bring you great joy this Christmas!