THE BLESSING OF GIVING

The Blessing of Giving

Most of us love getting gifts at Christmas. There’s something exciting about opening a present with our name on it. But the Bible teaches us that the greatest joy is not found in receiving—it is found in giving.

In Acts 20:35, we are reminded of the words of the Lord Jesus:

“…It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

That truth is beautifully pictured in the Christmas story through the visit of the wise men. Some call them kings, others call them Magi, but however we describe them, they followed the star, found Jesus, and came ready to give.

Matthew records it this way:

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts…”
— Matthew 2:11 

They didn’t come expecting a gift—they came to give one.

First, the wise men gave gifts to honor Jesus.
Before they ever opened their treasures, they fell down and worshiped Him. Their gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—were expressions of honor. Giving is one way we say, “You matter to me.”
This Christmas, who could you honor with a gift? A parent. A teacher. A friend. Sometimes giving has nothing to do with receiving anything back—it’s simply about honoring someone you love.

Second, the wise men gave gifts to encourage the family.
Joseph and Mary were facing a hard season. They would soon flee to Egypt to escape King Herod. Life was uncertain, frightening, and exhausting. Perhaps those gifts said, “You are not alone.”

I think about times when we have given a gift to a grandparent—maybe a blanket, maybe a framed picture of the family. It wasn’t the most expensive gift, but to a grandparent who feels lonely or afraid, that picture or that blanket brings comfort, warmth, and encouragement. Sometimes a gift doesn’t impress—it encourages, and that can mean far more.

Third, the wise men gave gifts to meet real needs.
Mary and Joseph were poor. We know this because when they made their offering at the temple, they brought two turtle doves—an offering allowed for those who had little (Luke 2:24).
Yet God used the wise men’s gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—to provide for this family and sustain them during a difficult season. Perhaps you know a family today who has less—because of sickness, job loss, or heavy responsibilities. What could you give that might help meet a real need?

As we get closer to Christmas, we’re excited about what we will receive—but let us not forget the blessing of giving.

And above all, let us remember that God is the greatest Giver of all.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…”
— John 3:16 

God gave Jesus to honor us—He gave His very best.
God gave Jesus to encourage us in a lonely and fearful world.
And God gave Jesus to meet our greatest needs.

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 4:19 

There is just one thing about a gift—it must be received.
Mary and Joseph had to accept the wise men’s gifts to experience their blessing.
And we must receive Christ to experience all that God has given.

My encouragement today is this: receive Jesus, and be a giver this Christmas season.

After all, it truly is more blessed to give than to receive.