Insight for Today
A Daily Devotional by Pastor Chuck Swindoll

The Gift That Lives On

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"WHAT IN THE WORLD can I give to ______ this Christmas?" Sound familiar? Sure, it's probably the most frequently asked question every Yuletide season. In our pocket of society where pampered affluence is rampant, we are often at a loss to know which gift to buy. For some people (especially those who "have everything") the standard type of gift won't cut it. Nothing in the shopping mall catches our fancy.

I have a suggestion. It may not seem that expensive or sound very novel, but believe me, it works every time. It's one of those gifts that has great value but no price tag. It can't be lost nor will it ever be forgotten. No problem with size either. It fits all shapes, any age, and every personality. This ideal gift I suggest you give during the season is yourself. That's right, give some of yourself away.

Give an hour of your time to someone who needs you. Give a note of encouragement to someone who is really down. Give a hug of affirmation to someone in your family. Give a visit of mercy to someone who is laid aside. Give a meal you prepared to someone who is sick. Give a word of compassion to someone who is going through a difficult season. Give a deed of kindness to someone who is easily overlooked.

Jesus taught:

The King will say, "I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!"

MATTHEW 25:40

The most meaningful gifts we give this Christmas won't be wrapped in shiny paper with a perfectly tied bow—they'll be wrapped in tender expressions of Christ's mercy and love.