As Christmas time approaches, things seem to get uncontrollably busy. There are parties to go to, people to buy for, and family to visit. Sometimes the week of Christmas can become a whirlwind of events in which our focus turns off of Christ and onto either a list of to-dos, our wants, or our complaints. I often find that my time with the Lord can get cut short, or off track, with the other things I have going on in the back of my mind.

This Christmas however, I’ve made it my goal to put time and prayer into the most important gift I can give this Christmas.

Years ago my family started a tradition that I plan on carrying on with my husband. It’s a tradition that has left a lasting impact on the way I view Christmas and gifts.

Every Christmas morning my parents call my siblings and I down to the kitchen, where we find cinnamon rolls in the shape of a Christmas tree (another family tradition), bacon, eggs, and a small heart shaped pillow at each of our plates. Before we eat our breakfast or open presents we each take a moment to reflect on the past year, recognizing areas in our life we may not have surrendered to the Lord, or areas in which we desire to grow more like Christ. We then pass around a gift wrapped box and place our heart inside as we share what it is we want to give God that Christmas.

This moment around our kitchen table is the most precious gifts to be given all day! It is a reminder to me that Christmas isn’t about me, or the earthly things to be exchanged that day, but about the One who humbly came to this earth and gave His life for me, so that I can now be restored to a right relationship with Him. Christ deserves my whole heart and life, and yours as well.

Here is a short list of some Christmas gifts I have given to God in the past…

My plans

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21

“…They left everything and followed Him.” Luke 5:11

“For I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13

My finances

“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15

“But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father know that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:30-33

My time

“And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching…Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:39 & 42

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John15:5

My fears

“The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied.” Proverbs 21:23

“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?” Luke 12:25-26

What gift will you give Christ this Christmas?