What do you predict will be the most popular Christmas gift given in 2021?

A recent article I read talked about the most popular Christmas gift year-by-year. In 1977, it was Star Wars toys. In 1980, it was the Rubik’s Cube. Christmas 1983 was all about the Cabbage Patch Kids dolls. Later on, in 1988 was the Nintendo console. Still later, in 1996, it was Tickle Me Elmo. More recently, it was the iPod in 2007.

Even as Americans are talking about “supply chain” issues, there no doubt will be one Christmas gift that rises to the top choice this year. As Christians, we sometimes, like Charlie Brown, rightly bemoan the commercialization of Christmas.

After all, shouldn’t Christmas be about giving, not receiving? Yet Hance Dilbeck once said this, “Ultimately, Christmas is all about receiving.”

He was, of course, referring to receiving the greatest Gift ever given to mankind: The Son of God, Jesus Christ. How can we best walk in that truth this Christmas?

First, I recommend we tell others about how to receive Jesus and the salvation He brings, also inviting them to church. There is perhaps no other time in society that people will be more open to attending church. After the pandemic, that neighbor of yours might be more open than you think to going to a Christmas service with you.

Next, I would encourage us to treasure Christ through prayer and worship. Recall in the Christmas accounts that Mary “treasured these things in her heart” (Luke 2:19). With a heart like hers, we can look past all of the distractions and focus our hearts on Him.

Also, we can contend for the Truth of Christmas in the public square. I’m not talking merely waging cultural warfare on social media, complaining about companies that have watered down Christmas. I’m speaking more of what the Apostle Peter said, when he wrote, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).

There are no doubt other ways you can be all about receiving this Christmas.

But we do give, too. As you work on getting that choice 2021 gift, remember to put down your smartphone and give the gift of paying attention to those immediately around you. Remember to give to the needy. And remember to offer as a gift your whole heart to the Lord in praise and worship of Jesus, the greatest Gift of all.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift of Jesus (2 Cor. 9:6)! Merry Christmas!

 

Photo by Clint Patterson on Unsplash