We have all heard messages about the commercialism and consumerism that surround Christmas.  But have we taken time to consider what the heart of the Christmas message really is?  Most Christians would say that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus.  It is a time to celebrate the coming of the Messiah, Immanuel – God with us.  Isn’t it curious that although this is what we say, the celebration itself seems to exclude the one being celebrated?

At the birth of Christ there were wise men that brought Him gifts.  Now as we celebrate the very same event, we give gifts to one another.  Christmas has become known as a time of giving and receiving but is that really a good representation of the most loving, sacrificial act in all of human history?

Maybe we need to rethink the whole idea Christmas, both what it represents and how we celebrate it.  Maybe in the midst of all the giving and receiving we should consider what we might sacrifice and give to Jesus, the one we celebrate. 

If you are wondering how you might give something to Jesus this Christmas you might find it helpful to begin by considering something that He said…“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine you did for me” (see Matthew 25:31-46).  By giving to those in need we can in effect give something to Jesus.

There are many ways that you can give something to Jesus this Christmas.  You can begin by giving your time to people and to organizations that directly help those in need.  Maybe there are people you know who are less fortunate that you could help out during this time.  Maybe you could give to one of many organizations, ministries and missions that are doing their part in reaching out to the under resourced and less fortunate in your city and around the world.