The Christmas season is upon us, and with it comes the excitement of gift giving, family gatherings, and celebrations. But with all the festivities, it’s easy to lose sight of the deeper meaning behind Christmas. At its heart, Christmas is a time to celebrate the greatest gift ever given—Jesus Christ. As you look at your Christmas wishlist this December, consider a new way of honoring Jesus’ birth by embracing generosity and giving to those in need. International Ministries’ Global Gifts are a way for you to rethink the traditional holiday wishlist and use it as an opportunity to spread God’s love, hope, peace, and justice in a way that reflects your faith.
While it’s natural to wish for things that bring us comfort or joy and material things we want or need, it’s important to remember that Christmas is ultimately about giving, not receiving. What if we took this opportunity to reframe our wishlist to bless others and use it to reflect God’s heart of generosity?
The Bible teaches us that “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). IM’s Global Gifts offer a unique way to incorporate acts of service, charitable giving and selfless love into your Christmas wishlist by supporting global ministries and projects that are making a difference in God’s mission.
One powerful way to shift your focus this Christmas is by prioritizing acts of service and generosity. Instead of buying material items, consider giving to a cause that aligns with your faith and values. IM provides an opportunity to do just that by donating to projects that make a real impact in people’s lives around the world. Choose to help children learn to read, give a child a much-needed surgery, or feed a refugee for an entire month—these are just a few of the gifts that keep giving long after Christmas Day has ended. Global Gifts turn your wishlist into a tool for sharing God’s love and hope with those who need it most.
There is something wonderful about giving a gift, knowing it is just what the other person wants and seeing their eyes light up and the smile spread from ear to ear. The joy of this moment is felt deep in our souls. As we reflect on God’s incredible generosity in sending Jesus as our Savior, it’s the perfect time to reconsider how we approach giving and receiving.
Imagine the joy a person will feel when they receive a gift from a stranger from across the world—a gift that is just what they need—meals, books, training, surgery, or a precious Bible. Although you may never see their reaction, a Global Gift ensures that your Christmas giving will make a lasting impact in the lives of others and they’ll know it is through God’s provision.
Christmas is a time for togetherness, and what better way to celebrate than by talking with friends and family about how to give back this year? Talking about generosity can help shift the focus from receiving to giving, creating a meaningful holiday experience for everyone involved!
When you put a Global Gift on your wishlist, you’re already showing others a glimpse into a meaningful gift, but also be intentional. Share the Global Gifts catalog with family members and friends—let them know you’re prioritizing giving to those in need and encourage them to do the same. The catalog highlights a variety of global mission projects from different parts of the globe. Looking through these gift ideas sparks important conversations about generosity and how your family can make a difference in the world.
Is there someone special in your family you’d like to honor? Consider giving an Angel gift in their name. You can donate any amount and it will be used where it is most needed. You’ll create an eternal impact as you remember and honor the ones you love.
At its core, Christmas is about the birth of Jesus—the greatest gift the world has ever received. Sharing this gift with others is the most important gift we can give. Our generosity can be a doorway into a conversation about why we give the way we do or why we care about the needs of others across the world.
Generosity isn’t just a one-time act—it’s a lifestyle that reflects God’s heart for the world. Jesus is God’s love in human form and reflecting on this gift can inspire us to give gifts that give back, not just at Christmas but throughout the year. As we give to others, we glorify God and join together in God’s mission to bring hope, peace, and justice to the world.
Will you let your gifts this Christmas be a reminder of God’s ultimate gift to us?
This December, take the opportunity to turn your Christmas wishlist into something of eternal significance. Instead of focusing solely on what you want, focus on what you can give. By supporting IM’s Global Gifts, you’re not just giving a gift—you’re spreading the love of Christ to those who need it most.
Visit the Global Gifts catalog to explore the variety of gifts from mission projects selected and managed by IM global servants, international ministry partners, and area directors. Your Christmas wishlist can become a tool for bringing glory to God in a way that extends far beyond your own home.
Let’s make this Christmas truly special by embracing the spirit of generosity that reflects the heart of God and makes a physical and spiritual difference in the lives of others.