Exchange Gifts???

[Truehearts]

Christmas is approaching... our youth decided to do "exchange gifts"...
I do not agree with it. :huh:

What is your take on it?

 

[Chad]

I don't care for buying "Christmas Gifts". Christmas is not the holiday it used to be where Christ was the center, commercialism was not. Today, its all about gifts and nothing about Jesus.

As for exchanging gifts between Christians at a church, I guess in that sense its ok since they are believers in Christ and know (or at least should know) that Jesus must always be #1 in our lives above all things.

But, exchanging gifts is not something I'd care to initiate if I were in charge of a church group or such position.

 

[Truehearts]

Thanks Chad, what im duly concerned is that there are young Christians or atleast were are not sure if they are already Christians... in the group where they have included that thing. Im not into having a Christmas party too... I mean, we could use the time to reach out others whom have not yet known Christ and that will be much helpful in new Christians bec. they will be trained in evangelism...

Oh well I did this poll because I am to decide not to join the 'exchange gift' thing... I dont think its right at all. If we are to give it is suppose to be from the heart and not because we expect we will receive something in return... Some senior youth have the same thoughts... But i still want to pray for it..

 

[Witness4Christ]

Exchanging Gifts

Exchanging gifts is fine with me as long as the message that Jesus is the main purpose of Christmas. Christmas is all about Jesus having a birthday like all of Us. We get birthday presents don't we, so why can't Jesus get some too. If U are exchanging gifts keep in mind that the Whole purpose of this holiday is about Jesus.

 

[mc_simmons]

Christmas is approaching... our youth decided to do "exchange gifts"...
I do not agree with it.

Neither I sis Gen. When God sent His son Jesus Christ, He expected nothing from us, He expressed His love unconditionally which still had proven by Jesus through His death in the calvary... So, Christmas is purely giving with genuine love, a selfless identity of a true believer and follower of our savior, Jesus Christ.

I would rather suggest that we should observe "gift-giving" instead of "exchanging-gifts" in parties or whatever kind of gathering this holiday season, whether in church or wherever to get rid of some undesirable traits or disadvantages ( like sighing when no one remembers to give, expecting gifts, worrying to please others, etc) in observing such activity.

 

[Lion_of_Judah]

If it must be 'exchanging gifts', tell a youth leader to put all the kids names into a hat.
Then names are drawn out of the hat at random for each person involved.
That is, one at a time, each youth goes up and picks out a name and picks out a gift for that name.
This way, hopefully, any favoritism can be avoided, and everyone is involved.

Best of luck

 

[peeps]

well . . .

I love the christmas season and everything that comes along with it. . .

In our family we do know the reason of christmas and enjoy the Joy of the Lord in our hearts between church members and at home as well . . .:heart-animated:

Christmas tree and presents, as well as homemade cookies and housedecoration is always a good start to talk to non-believers about the real reason for the season . . .

God loved us first and made us a huge present, He gave without expecting back . . .I love following His example and find all year or at least fall season already lots of things on my way through every day that could be a joy for others . . .:shoppingbag:

And so I take i along and wrap it . . .it all has room under the tree. . .whether its chocolate, showergel or crafted things my son made at school this year . . .usually everyone needs a calender in the house for sure or new candles. . .those are practical gifts you could bring all year :wink:

On the other hand for the group thing . . .What we usually do in our sundayschool groups for kids or adults as well:

Everyone brings any item from home thats of no more use for you . .but no trash . . .and wraps it . . .you bring dice and an alarm clock:

What you do is this:

-Every one rolls dice . . .at number 6 you can pick one present of the table, DONT OPEN IT!

-Once everyone has one, you set your clock on 15-20 min

-Now EVERYONE opens the present!

-Start rolling your dice . . .
Nr. 1 = You give your present to someone else!
Nr. 6 = You take the present from someone else!
Nr. 3 = You exchange the present you have with the present from someone!

Once your clock rings, you get to keep what you got!

Merry Christmas :heart7:

 

[mc_simmons]

What you do is this:

-Every one rolls dice . . .at number 6 you can pick one present of the table, DONT OPEN IT!

-Once everyone has one, you set your clock on 15-20 min

-Now EVERYONE opens the present!

-Start rolling your dice . . .
Nr. 1 = You give your present to someone else!
Nr. 6 = You take the present from someone else!
Nr. 3 = You exchange the present you have with the present from someone!

Once your clock rings, you get to keep what you got!

Wow, what a smart idea! great... I go with it then. But maybe depends on the people around. In my area most are "price-conscious" or particular of the gift . This "price agreement" makes me sad at times that even some Christians do practice... )-;

 

[Cless]

I've always liked the sentiment of giving loved ones a gift to celebrate the birth of Christ. I figured that the whole concept of giving gifts to celebrate was based on how the wise men brought gifts to Jesus. What I do not like, however, is how corporations have turned it into a materialism fest. Giving modest gifts to those you care about is one thing; a bunch of kids (and even some adults) feeling entitled to hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of merchandise is another.