Gifts are a big part of Christmas. It’s a time where we give presents to those we care about and appreciate. Gifts can be expressions of love for one another. I have been so blessed to be surrounded by many beautiful friends who are wonderful gift givers. But I’ve been thinking that maybe gifts consist of more than just what’s inside the wrapping paper.

People are gifts!

How easily I forget that the people God has placed in my life are gifts. My husband is a gift. My daughter is a gift. My friends and family are gifts. Even the difficult people in my life are gifts (Ouch! That one was hard for me to type!) I can just picture the Lord handing me these beautiful wrapped presents for me to open, anticipating how I will receive His gifts, how I will take care of them and treasure them.

Will I treasure His gifts? Will I show appreciation? Will I handle them with care?

I wonder how our lives would be different if we treated the people around us like they were God’s special gifts to us?

I need to thank the Lord every day for the people He has placed in my life. I should tell others how thankful I am for them when I have the opportunity. People need to hear how much they mean to us.

If I treated people as precious gifts, what would that look like?

I would listen more instead of interrupting. I would respond kindly instead of harshly. I would put my “work” aside and spend time with them. I would put their needs above my own.

It’s been a sobering week. I’ve been praying for a few families who have recently lost loved ones. I know they treasured every moment they had with their precious gifts! It makes me think of how many moments with others I have taken for granted. None of us have the promise of tomorrow.

And then I am reminded of another gift God gave us. His greatest gift! The gift of His one and only Son. He sent Jesus wrapped up as the ultimate gift of love and grace. He died for our sins so we can have life, peace, freedom, and a relationship with Him. Oh that we would receive that gift!!

Let’s remember this Christmas season, that the people God has placed in our lives are gifts! These packages come in all different shapes, sizes and colors. Some have fancy bows and ribbons…others don’t. But they are all still gifts. Special gifts. Gifts from God. Unwrap them carefully. Handle them with care. Treasure them. The Lord is watching and waiting to see if we will cherish His gifts!

Oh, and one more thing. Did you know that God has cherished gifts? He does.

You’re one of them! 🎁