'"GIVING YOURSELF
I can clearly remember getting to the gifts required a period of unwrapping... the ripping open of packages to get to the goodies. The unwrapping of Godly gifts also requires stripping from our minds and memories those things that would smother these days with dead tradition and the clutter of commercialization.
Often I ask questions like, 'I wonder how I can really experience the full joy of Christmas? How can I discover the true meaning of these days?' Some say, 'Look into the eyes of a child', or 'Kneel before your Lord who makes this day possible.' There's no question that these are all valuable suggestions, but try to receive this one: Be willing to 'give yourself away for Christmas' and let these holidays become an opportunity for you to give as your Father has given.
GIVE TIME
Let the value of needed minutes of these busiest of your days be sacrificed by giving someone the gift of your time. Let true humility flow by unwrapping any touch of personal pride and pouring it out. Inconvenience yourself for the sake of someone whose last dream would be the gift of your time and interest.
GIVE ENCOURAGEMENT
Bless a neighbor by a simple visit along with a simple gift: approach a frustrated store clerk and tell [them] what a good job they're doing, write a note of encouragment and compassion to someone who's going through it. Stop at a convalescent home and visit several elderly folk. Ask the Lord to show you some particular way in which you can introduce a clear ring of reality of the things which we celebrate together.
GIVE JESUS
I know a verse: 'For God so loved the world that He gave...' Loving and giving are always tied together and giving is the foundation of Christmas. Giving yourself away works best after you strip off the added wrappings that cover and hide the real you. Let the Christ of Christmas reveal to the world the true nature of a child of God... one who gives because of love. Jesus is the reason you're a giver, so let the world know.
Giving because of Him,
Ron Mehl"