We've discussed how to battle the Holiday Blues and how to have all our Great Expectations met in Christ. This week, as we franticly rush about in last-minute shopping sprees, I want us to focus on the importance of gift giving. The more modern story of Santa Claus comes from the tradition of Saint Nicholas, an anonymous benefactor who gave presents to children each Christmas. In various cultures founded upon Christianity, there are traditions of giving gifts on different days of the season. Of course, today Christmas shopping is a commercial necessity.
Many retailers depend on gift buying for survival.
I read that Americans spend approximately 40 billion dollars each year just on Christmas gifts. Most of us spend too much on gifts. You probably buy presents for a long list of people. Today, I want to focus on a very familiar passage and gain some insight on the greatest gift ever given. The Motivation for the Greatest Gift.