As we move into the Christmas season, it is good to remind ourselves about the generosity of the very first Christmas.  I know Christmas is about giving, but too often, I get caught up in the “how” and the “what” of gift-giving during the Christmas season and don’t pause to really absorb and appreciate the “why.” Why do I give? Why are we all compelled to be generous during the Christmas season? I was encouraged by a friend the other day to really stop and think about it, and it is amazing to think about how that very first Christmas was loaded with the generosity of giving.

Joseph Was Generous With His Reputation

Imagine the scandalous discovery of learning that your teenage fiancé is pregnant by someone else. Joseph had every right to feel completely heartbroken and even angry, but instead, he loved Mary enough to simply decide to end their relationship quietly (Matthew 1:19). Then, the Lord sent a message and Joseph had a supernatural change of heart (Matthew 1:20-21).

Obviously, hearing from an angel changed Joseph’s perspective on the situation, but he still risked his reputation in choosing to obey God. To be married to a pregnant girl carrying a baby that wasn’t his must not have been easy, but Joseph gave up whatever plans he had for a sterling reputation and obeyed God.

Mary Was Generous With Her Future

I’m sure Mary had plans and ideals for her marriage to Joseph just as any bride-to-be would. But then this wonderful, impractical story of redemption is set into motion, and Mary discovers that she is to be a main character (Luke 1:30-33).

When the angel came and told her God’s plans for her life, in that moment, Mary must have realized that her life would be much different than she had in mind. She would forever be the earthly mother of the King of the Universe. That would surely have implications of its own, and of course, we know it did. Just 33 years later, she would watch her sweet baby boy tortured to death. But all that was to come later. For now, Mary would give up whatever plans she had for a normal, quiet married life in the Galilean countryside to be a young mother and bride raising a King.

The Magi Gave Their Gifts

The magi gave of their time to travel a very long way to come see a boy they knew to be the King, but they also gave their gifts to Him (Matthew 2:11-12). These were not just any gifts. They gave only the very best, most valuable gifts to King Jesus. And as it would turn out, their generosity became legendary when it was included in the Bible as part of the Christmas story.

Jesus Gave All

Imagine the humility and unfathomable generosity of Jesus, who created the universe, now coming to earth and having to learn how to use a hammer to create a wooden cabinet. Imagine the unbelievable impracticality of Jesus, who spoke stars and galaxies into existence, now having to learn how to say “mama” and “dada.” Ultimately, the eternal Jesus, who created life, would set immortality aside to taste death so we wouldn’t have to. That’s what He did.

Jesus, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross! -Philippians 2:6-8

Jesus had all glory, but he gave that glory away so He could put on stinky skin and fragile bones to redeem a people who were, by nature, His enemies. Christ’s unfathomable generosity is so incredible, it is hard to find words to describe it. In fact, words fail. He just simply gave it all. What a God!

And So We Give

With examples like these, it is no wonder we give! We are compelled by Christ’s example to give generously of our time, our talents, our treasures, and even our very lives. We love others because He first loved us. We give to others because He first gave to us.
Sometimes giving a physical gift is just too easy for me. What if what I really need to give this Christmas is something I can’t buy? What if what I really need to give away is more of my time by volunteering more? Or what if it’s an apology? It’s definitely something to pray over. Whatever you give this season, let the generosity of the Christmas story be your inspiration, and let Christ be your example.

End of Year Donation

If you have been encouraged by reading the Blueprint for Life devotionals this year,  would you prayerfully consider partnering with Blueprint for Life.  Click here to give!