Answer # 51

There is nothing wrong with giving to others. Part of God's overall purpose for our existence is that we learn to give instead of seeking to get. But a Christian needs to be careful about giving a gift around Christmas time.

The reason? Christians are to be lights to the world. They must set the example of righteous living. To engage in gift giving with those who are celebrating Christmas may give the appearance to them that you are participating right along with them in Christmas festivities.

God tells us to come out of the religious system of this world and to be "separate" (II Cor. 6:14-18). How can a person be separate from such goings on and continue at the same time to dabble in them?

The very idea of exchanging gifts is based on an erroneous interpretation of the Bible. The giving of gifts by the Magi has been used as justification for this custom, but what has been overlooked is that the Magi did not exchange gifts among themselves. Rather, they presented all their gifts "to him" - to Jesus (Matt. 2:11).

How different from the modern custom of trading Christmas gifts and giving nothing to Christ! Even if it were appropriate to celebrate the birthday of Jesus, can you imagine a birthday celebration where all the guests bring gifts and exchange those gifts among themselves, and the person they are supposedly honoring receives nothing? Doesn't make sense? Neither does the modern custom of trading Christmas gifts while supposedly honoring Christ.

Why not give gifts at other times of the year when they will be appreciated as spontaneously sincere and heartfelt?