Moral Of The Story:

“The giving of gifts is not something man invented. God started the giving spree when He gave a gift beyond words: the unspeakable gift of His Son.”

— Robert Flatt

I first heard the phrase “re-gifting” a few years ago, but the practice has certainly been around far longer than that. People sometimes refer to re-gifting as something they do with a gift they don’t want but hope to pass on successfully to somebody else, preferably without being detected.

I’ve heard many conversations about gifts lately; either things people are hoping for, or gifts being given, and often someone says something about looking for “just the perfect gift.” Recently I overheard a woman at the market talking on her phone.

“I just wish we could have world peace,” she said. A few moments later she added: “Actually, I’d just be happy with peace in my little corner of the world.”

She then turned so quickly down the next aisle that she almost ran into another shopper. I don’t think she was feeling much peace in her little corner of the world at that moment.

She’s certainly not alone in desiring world or personal peace, but that kind of peace cannot be bought or wrapped. Obviously, peace on any scale cannot be bought, but God does freely offer an inner peace in the center of our hearts that will greatly impact our own corners of the world.

Not only does God offer peace, but some of the other gifts He gives when we have a relationship with Him include joy, hope, love, comfort and guidance. God was the first and best gift-giver, by giving His Son, Jesus. God re-gifts the best present of all, which is His very presence in our hearts and lives. Jesus, born so long ago, offers that same gift to you today. Come, let us adore Him. And you can quote me on that.

CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached at cindy@onthegrow.com or 537 Newport Center Drive, Box 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.