[1]Are you already dreading the challenge of holiday shopping? Finding the right gifts for people who already have more stuff than they know what to do with?
Then let me suggest a gift that your family, friends, and co-workers will remember long after the tree comes down: Christmas EGGs.
Instead of wandering the aisles in store after store, use that time to prayerfully think about each person on your Christmas list. Then make a list of the EGGs (Evidences of God’s Grace) that you see in each person’s life.
The ways they’ve reflected the character of Christ. How you’ve seen them serve as channels of his grace. Times they’ve helped and encouraged you and others. The difference they have made in this world.
Be as specific as possible. Explain the challenges that you (or others) were facing, and describe how their words and actions impacted you. Speak from your heart. Be transparent about how you felt before and after they acted. The more detail you provide, the more meaningful your gift of appreciation will be.
Of course you can still buy a thoughtful gift, or make a contribution in their name to an organization that you connect to a quality you see them (“Since you have such a heart for children [or the homeless, single mothers, etc.], I’ve made a gift in your name to ….”).
However thoughtful your gift or donation may be, I guarantee that what they will remember most will be the other-awareness [2] you demonstrated as you recounted the Evidences of God’s Grace in their lives and the way that the overflowing of that grace has blessed the people around them.
– Ken Sande
Reflection Questions:
- Which people have blessed you the most in your life, or in just the last year? How?
- Why do you think the apostle Paul urges us to think and talk about what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and excellent in others? (Phil. 4:8-9)
- Why would Paul say that the “God of peace will be with you” if you think and talk this way?
- Why is it especially appropriate during Thanksgiving and Christmas to think and talk about EGGs?
Permission to distribute: Please feel free to download, print, or electronically share this message in its entirety for non-commercial purposes with as many people as you like.
© 2013 Ken Sande
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