A couple weeks ago, I posted about gift giving during the holidays. It’s estimated that Americans waste billions of dollars on unwanted presents every year. I provided some tips for buying special gifts people will appreciate while also supporting local crafters, small businesses, and sustainable companies.
Multiple family members asked me what to get each other this year. Using my own advice, I gave deliberate instructions for each person and even went shopping on one person’s behalf. I can’t wait to see the look of delightful surprise on each face as they unwrap their presents. “It’s the thought that counts,” as they say. When my loved ones receive gifts perfectly tailored to their needs, interests, and style, they’ll hopefully know they are seen and loved.
These family members want so much to please each other that they seek advice, striving to make that just-right choice. We all want to bring joy to our loved ones. As I mulled it over, I decided to write this poem.
Since my next post would fall on Christmas day, I’m going to take a week off to prepare (I’m about halfway done wrapping!) then relax and appreciate my loved ones when the day comes. I wish you all a Merry Christmas–or Happy Holidays if you celebrate Hannukah or a different special time. God bless you all, especially anyone who is grieving loss or loneliness in this season.
The Perfect Gift
It’s the most wonderful time of the year–
Christmas and winter holidays are here
How the beauty of the season touches my soul!
I love to watch the magic unfold
Lights, decorations, stockings, wreaths
A festive mantle dressed in red and green
Tinsel wrapped around the beloved tree
Little figurines forming a nativity scene
These traditions are backed by a special thing–
Out and about, in the air, a certain feeling
When “chestnuts roast on an open fire”
Everyone’s spirits seem to be higher
What is Christmas spirit, and where does it come from?
Being more thoughtful and generous; sharing love
How exactly did this concept come to be?
What causes the boost of joy we see?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My family consults me for gift ideas
“What would mom, dad, brother appreciate?”
We want to see the look of satisfied gratitude
As they unwrap the box on Christmas day
What’s the perfect gift? We ask–
We ponder, bargain hunt, search, strain
But we should realize the very best presents
Don’t require us to wrack our brains
Our presence is the best present!
Money can’t buy time together ♥
Having people who genuinely care for us
is a blessing; there’s nothing better
Except for one other thing–
Ultimately, the reason for the season
God’s love for us, demonstrated through Jesus
The eternal hope of salvation
Thanks for reading! 🙂
P.S. I put this together for my church service Sunday and am sharing here so y’all can be blessed by the wanderous beauty of the good news and God’s word.
Be strong and let your heart take courage–all you who wait for the Lord (Ps 31:24); weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning. (Ps 30:5)
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger coming to announce peace and salvation and bring glad tidings! (Isa 52:7)
Arise and shine, for now, the light has come (Isa 60:1); He brings good news to the oppressed, binds up the brokenhearted, and proclaims liberty to the captives. (Isa 61:1)
You and all people–the blind, the crippled, and the lame–are invited to God’s heavenly banquet. (Lk 14:21)
The Lord comes to vindicate the widow, the orphan, the foreigner, and the poor. (Zech 7:10)
This hope is the sure and steadfast anchor for our souls. (Heb 6:19)
So, ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters! And you who have no money–come and eat! (Isa 55:1)
Let the humble hear and be glad; O, magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt his name together. (Ps 34:2-3)
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior! (Lk 1:47)
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. (Jn 14:6)
He comes not to be served but to serve–and to give His life as a ransom for many. (Matt 20:28)
For those who revere His name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. (Mal 4:2)
Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven! (Matt 21:9)
Retrospective Lily 
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