The Christmas Story would not be complete for us without the wise men from the east who came to visit the Christ Child. After searching for some time they found the young child. We all know about the gifts they gave. Matthew tells us about this in his Gospel. “THEY ENTERED THE HOUSE AND SAW THE CHILD WITH HIS MOTHER, MARY, AND THEY BOWED DOWN AND WORSHIPED HIM. THEN THEY OPENED THEIR TREASURE CHESTS AND GAVE HIM GIFTS OF GOLD, FRANKINCENSE, AND MYRRH.” (Matthew 2:11 NLT) Many people assume that the idea of giving gifts around the time of Christmas comes from the initial gifts Christ received from these royal astrologers. Of course God gave the first gift, the gift of His Son. Over the next few days I want to make some suggestions for some gifts you can give this year that do not cost money. They are not always cheap, but money cannot always buy these things I want to discuss. Let me start the week by suggesting that a great gift to give someone this Christmas is “The Gift of Praise.” When you see someone doing something worthy of your praise why not speak to them and let them know you like what they are doing. I’m talking about honest praise, not flattery. Flattery can be false. A compliment on the other hand for a job well done can truly make someone’s day. There are a lot of people who never hear anyone compliment their actions or approve of their work. Give them “The Gift of Praise.” You can do this privately or publically. A note in a Christmas card or a compliment given in the presence of other people can do the trick. Be on the look out for something a friend does well. Look for the superior qualities in someones life. When you see others doing something worthwhile praise them. When you see someone trying, though they may not be the most successful in their effort praise them. Work on this. Seek after this. Shop around in your heart for this . . . and be generous with your praise when you honestly see someone doing something worthwhile. My Mother often told me that if someone criticizes her she would become discouraged and may stop trying. On the other hand if someone would give her an honest compliment, she would work her fingers to the bone for them. We all like to receive praise. That in itself makes it a good gift to give at Christmas. Do not wait until Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Start today passing out sincere compliments. I promise you that “The Gift of Praise” will bring a great deal of pleasure to those with whom you share it.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Dec 2014 11:32:09 +0000
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