Christmas was a magical time of the year when I was a child. There was this toasty haze in the atmosphere, and the scent of pine laced the air. Before we ever-so-violently opened our gifts on Christmas morning, my mom’s partner would bring out the Good Book. We talked about “the reason” for the season. I could care less about the story I’d heard more times than I cared to. I just wanted to see what my parents and other family members bought me. I rarely got anything I wanted, so I was usually disappointed.

I can say that ‘feeling’ has dissipated and been replaced with: “What’s up with these self-indulgent gifts anyway?” I don’t celebrate Christmas anymore, but I’m not against man-made celebrations. The Word says that man-made traditions cannot usurp truth (Mark 7:8,9). I just think Christ followers need to reflect on why they do something and how they’re honoring God with their actions. If we Godify an idolatrous secular holiday (or just participate in one) so that we can join the world and not feel left out (which may be the case for the roots of this day), that is wrong. We don’t care what unbelievers do or desire to follow them (Romans 12:2)(1 John 2:15)(Colossians 3:2). However, if we designate a certain day to honor God, then we indeed honor him. For some New Covenant keepers today, the day is purely spiritual. We have liberty! We just shouldn’t use that liberty for the flesh (Galatians 5:13)(1 Peter 2:16). God says we can make a special day unto the Lord if we want (Romans 14:5). The context extends beyond Jewish traditions and could be applied in several instances. It includes daily life. So, it’s a matter of opinion, and it depends on your intent. In the first instance, the world is first place. In the other, God is first place. Honest reflection can help believers figure this out. One clue that you’re emulating the world is if you do what these people do, such as doing a similar event the same day or having the same pagan decorations–though gift-giving isn’t worldly (Matthew 7:11)(1 Timothy 6:17-19)(Proverbs 11:25).

If I give someone something, I try to choose wisely. Not too long ago, I gave someone a present on his day of birth. He did not need anything, and I thought a financial gift for his budding ministry would be nice. I could give that to him any day, but I thought, what’s the difference? I would be thrilled to receive a donation to help with ministry work, no matter when I got it. He did not seem too happy with this gift, almost as if he did not want to share his day with God. Later that day, someone gave him an additional television, and he was ecstatic. I know this person well enough to know what his TV is mostly used for.

I just observed. Interesting that a present that seemed to satisfy the flesh created such excitement, but something that was meant to further the kingdom was met with a lukewarm reaction. If one “claims” to celebrate a day of birth unto the Lord (and not the self like the world), shouldn’t God be in the forefront? He shouldn’t be in the background. Like everyday of a Christian’s life, it should focus on the Creator who gave you life. It seems many Christians aren’t strong enough to do that, so they shouldn’t do these kinds of celebrations.

So, how can one discern if a gift is flesh-focused or not? Well, we have freedom in Christ, but how we use this freedom will determine if we honor God or not. For one, what is your intent? Is God in the forefront guiding your choice? I’m not saying a present has to be a Bible or even Christian in nature.  I’m just saying should people honor the birth of our savior by giving gifts that satisfy the flesh or the Holy Spirit within? Ultimately, we know this day is not needed; It’s surely more important to honor his death, burial, and resurrection, which we are commanded to do. This is just done to highlight this joyous event that took place sometime in history. We don’t have to do or give this or that. I know some Christians don’t even celebrate it because of pagan roots. But, people can celebrate Christ’s birth (or their own) whenever they want to, though it should be Christ-Centered and not wasteful. So, if you celebrate Christmas by giving gifts (I know some just make their own), here are 7 things to think about before you get that present for your family member or friend.…More, Please!