Now that the stores are not pestering us, we can get down to serious gift giving. Boxing Day, the Feast of Stephen, is a good day to give. Why? Saint Stephen gave his life so others might live in the truth. From that time forward, Christians have given materially and immaterially.
Yet beware: living for stuff (any stuff) is bad. We are higher beings than those that can be satisfied with material things.
Materialism: do not do it.
Yet do give gifts and do so extravagantly if you wish. Do so without pressure and without sin. Do not do so out of pressure or by going into debt or out of obligation. God loves a cheerful giver so give, but not for materialistic reasons. Give because you wish to do so, cheerfully, and with a thankful heart.
How should we give these twelve days?
Give to the poor. Listen to the poor.
A good rule is to never give out of a sense of superiority. Give out of a sense of solidarity with fellow humans. Having said this, some of our fellow humans need some money.
Our family loves the Star of Hope. Give them money and you will have done some good.
Better try loving and living in an area where you frequently find friends and learn from those who are poor. No man is his net worth. Get to know some people with less than you have (even if you think you are poor!) and you will be blessed. Stop. Listen. Learn. Don’t come to save, but to be an authentic friend.
Never use people as a means to an end . . . not evangelism. . . not “helping to feel good.”
Don’t do it.
Give to each other as you wish, mindfully.
I spent all year thinking about what might make my brother Daniel happy. I found it and managed to get it for him for an affordable price. He is a good Republican in a time when good Republicans are rare, so I found him (affordably!) the signature of John Hay who served Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Theodore Roosevelt: two men who defined the Republican Party for us.
I did not do this because I had to do so or marketing made me. Daniel did not expect it or demand it. I gave it, because I could and I love my brother. It was to make him happy. Why?
He is not happy because of the value , but because of the message. He gets the idea and the gift will be a window to true Republican values for as long as he lives.
Why give at Christmas?
First, why not? It is a custom and who am I to disturb a decent custom just because many have twisted it into a marketing ploy?
Second, I give now, because Christmas is a reminder of God’s gift of Himself. Every holiday is a bit of this, but Christmas with Easter is the most unreservedly joyful.
Third, this is the darkest time of year and some lights and jollification is most helpful. We are animals as well as soulish folk and so some fun to days that get dark quickly is good.
Give immaterial gifts: time, talents, and love.
Each year my children play through the sort of game that an old gamer likes: adventure games with a plot. They may not love the game (don’t ask about the pregnant elf game), but we generally love being together. They give me the game and then (best of all!) give me some time. I don’t have time to game most of the year, so Halo-type games are beyond my reach, but at Christmas there is some Madden and a Sherlock Holmes adventure (thank you Frogware), I can just about finish with them.
I am trying to finish the sequel to my not-best-selling novel, because some of my friends (a very few!) wish to read it. That will be a Holiday gift for them. Create some music together. Make a meal and eat it with joy.
Don’t be afraid to give nothing but words: especially mercy.
At times the best gift is “I am sorry” or “I love you” or “How can I help?” These are good gifts and if followed by action and spoken sincerely are treasured. Once I was very down and someone came to complain. Hope (the Fairest Flower in Christendom) stepped in and said: “If you make my husband sad . . . ” and it was good. That a sweet gift. It was a good gift. Both of us benefited. God knows that of all things I crave and the world needs mercy and hope. Do not be afraid to give some mercy, if you can, and hope. Recall the words of Jesus as applied by Bronte: forgiveness is the mightiest sword.
Wield it if you can. (Nobody can tell you that you must or should! It is a gift.)
They say that Good Duke Wenceslas looked out on the Feast of Stephen and gave good gifts to the poor. That legend is a good one for us to emulate.
Christ is born!
Glorify Him!
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