Yesterday I shared a message based on some wise ideas about gift giving provided by the wise men!  (This passage can be found in Matthew 2:1-15!)  Here are three ideas right out of that passage that can help each of us to have a better and more productive Christmas!

1.)  Wise Gift Giving Follows The Leadership Of God! The Wise Men followed the star and it led them exactly where they needed to be.  Where do you think that star came from?  GPS is nothing new with God – He created that a long time ago.  It came standard on a Wise Man’s Camel!  This Christmas take some time to talk with your Creator about your Christmas list – who is on it and what they will be getting.  Follow His leadership and you can’t go wrong!

2.)  Wise Gift Giving Is Joyful! In verse 10 we read:  “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy!” This is talking about much more than happy!  Don’t let the giving and receiving of gifts be a drag.  Get into it with the right heart and attitude.  Through your gift giving this Christmas, seek to bring glory to God, blessing to others and joy to yourself!

3.)  Wise Gift Giving Is Sacrificial! The Wise Men travelled a great distance to present the King with their gifts.  They not only sacrificed their resources, but most certainly their time, energy and agenda!  A wise gift is going to cost you something.  It may not cost a lot of money.  Some of the most meaningful gifts that I have ever received have not been worth very much from a financial perspective, but they have been and are extremely valuable to me, because someone made a sacrifice to bless me with something that let’s me know that I am special to them and their life. These very special gifts keep giving by helping me to know that my life really does matter, which makes me feel special and that is one of the greatest gifts of all!

Put these wise ideas into practice and you will be amazed at what a difference they will make in your Christmas!