Recently I was watching an old episode of Everybody Loves Raymond. In this particular one Raymond and Robert are plotting for an opportunity to go away for a weekend of golf. However, Ray does not feel as though he can just ask Deborah to let him go so he begins to plot a scheme to butter up Deborah. Since it is Christmas time Ray decides to use his gift to Deborah as a perfect opportunity to guilt her into letting him go play golf. His plan is to give Deborah a gift so nice that she will feel obligated to let Ray go on the outing. As the time approaches to exchange gifts, Ray has discovered, with the help of Robert that Deborah is “supposed” to be giving him a tie. Therefore, Ray plans to give Deborah the Crockpot she wants but also add in a side gift of nice cookware. When the exchange of gifts takes place Deborah is ecstatic over her gifts but Ray has a surprise waiting for him. When Deborah hands him his gift it was not the perceived tie but rather an expensive DVD player and movies. (The tie was actually for Robert.) Needless to say much turmoil and chaos erupted when the truth was revealed on the presents and the purpose behind them.
This sitcom episode makes me ask the question, “Why do we give gifts to one another?” Do we give out of obligation or do we give out of love? By obligation I am referring to the thought of they gave me a gift last year or I have a feeling they plan to give me a gift this year. The word obligation does not lend itself to the feeling of generosity. Instead, it gives a sense of necessity or requirement, neither of which conveys the feeling of love and generosity. Obligation is defined as something that must be done because of a legal or moral duty. This should have no part in gift giving. We must be compelled to give out of love not an obligation. When I give gifts to my family I do not think in terms of “having to give.” Instead I look at the opportunity to give in order to express my love to those I cherish.
In the same sense when Jesus came to earth in the form of a baby, God’s gift to each of us was not obligatory but instead it was compelled by His great love for each of us. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His Son…” God has set the great example of giving. Just as Jesus is recorded as saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” we too should follow this example. (Acts 20:35)
This Christmas as you make out your Christmas list examine your heart and ask, “Am I giving out of obligation or love?” You will find your joy is enhanced when you learn to give out of love more than obligation.
May God bless you this Christmas in ways you never expected!
Pastor Ric
