The Christmas Holiday is all but complete and tomorrow will be Boxing Day. How did you do in receiving gifts? What about giving gifts? Did you give without any expectation of return?
Christmas was always a big deal to my family, but not because of what God did in sending His Son as a baby, but rather because of the gifts/loot that are exchanged.
There was no such thing as a surprise. I knew what you were getting me and you knew what to get you. That way we didn't disappoint one another. Growing up, I began to expect certain things and if anyone upset the delicate tit-for-tat balance in the family, there would be a price to pay. At some point in college it dawned on me I had lost the meaning of a gift. I didn't know how to receive one nor did I know how to give one. I had contorted what should be a joy to be a generous giver and a grateful receiver into something entirely different.
What is the Character Matter with Christmas gift giving or receiving?
When I give someone a gift, am I really giving it without any strings attached to it? Or am I dependent on their positive response? Do I think in the back of my mind, will they like it? Will they return it? Will they re-gift it? Will I be able to re-purchase it at their next garage sale? Ultimately holding a seed of bitterness in my heart to be watered when I am disappointed.
How does Character Matter?
Your character matters in that moment someone gets you something you may never use your entire life and you can find a way to be gracious and find something redeemable about it. It also matters when your spouse opens the gift you worked hard to find and immediately asks if you saved the receipt.
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