Wouldn’t it be grand if every gift was a perfect gift?

Do you remember receiving a favorite gift? I do. I was eight-years-old. That Christmas I unwrapped a bride doll. She was 18 inches tall and dressed in the most beautiful white satin and lace gown. She had a waist-length veil, high heels, and a string of pearls that hung around her neck. My aunt knew the perfect gift to give.

As I grew older, I learned not everyone is a cheerful giver. Some give out of compulsion and then make the recipient feel guilty that their money was spent for such a thing. This is a sure way to spoil an otherwise happy day. Shakespeare was right when he penned this line in Hamlet: “for to the noble mind rich gifts wax poor when givers prove unkind.”

Obviously the gift and its dollar value aren’t the biggest issue. When the heart attitude is in the right place, the package will be cheerfully given.

Consider the Giver of Perfect Gifts

Since the Lord gives good and perfect gifts—and we are made in His image, we can, too. It is possible to give perfect gifts. And the best ones are unique in that they don’t place undue stress on our finances. They will cost us time.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17

21 Intangible but Perfect Gifts

1. Gift truthful conversations
2. Tell no lies—not even those little white ones
3. Give children parents who get along well
4. Hold hands and give hugs
5. Eliminate quarrelsome ways
6. Gift forgiveness and mercy
7. Foster acceptance and humility of heart
8. Be positive—Believe the best
9. Create an emotionally safe home
10. Gently wipe away tears
11. Share common goals and honor individual interests
12. Smile, laugh, play in abundance
13. Cause no intentional harm
14. Validate, don’t disregard, feelings
15. Be available
16. Be trustworthy—follow through with promises made
17. Pray for one another
18. Initiate a kind deed or word of encouragement
19. Break the cycle of slanderous, disrespectful, talk
20. Offer an apology when due
21. Gift a helping hand—stamp out lazy habits

Are we ready to make every gift a perfect gift?

The list of 20 gifts is a starting point. Each one can be brought alongside a Bible verse. All are God-honoring, harmony building, loving gifts to give.

Yes, buy the presents and wrap the packages. It’s still a good thing. There’s no reason to feel we shouldn’t. There’ll still be tangible gifts beneath our tree. It’s all part of the Christmas fun. There’s nothing better than to see smiles emerge when pretty packages are opened. But let’s not forgo the more perfect gifts. They can last a lifetime and be passed down generation-to-generation.

“I think that the most significant work we ever do, in our whole world, in our whole life, is done within the four walls of our own home.” Stephen R. Covey

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for every good and perfect gift we have received from Your hand. We truly are a blessed people. Help us to be wise shoppers as we search for the perfect gifts to wrap. May we not forget the intangible gifts that contribute to healthy relationships. We look to You for inner peace throughout this busy season and into the New Year. Afterall, the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, remains the true reason we celebrate. All else is of less importance. Amen

*Photo by Artem Kniaz on Unsplash