Christmas is filled with many traditions, some have been handed down from generations, while others a started when a new family comes together. A tradition that seems to be one that many families and friends engage in is gift giving.

Our family enjoys gift giving and I have always wanted my children to know why we give gifts. I have tried to teach them how Jesus is the ultimate gift giver and how he gave his life for us. I often ask God how we can know him more and how I can teach my children more about him. I look for ways that I can live the verse from Dueteronomy 6:6-7 that tells us to teach our children about the Lord when we get up, when we lie down, while we walk along the road…intentionally find teachable moments all day and night. I especially wanted to keep teaching them more about Jesus and prayer during Christmas. So several years ago, God gave me the idea to teach my children to pray over the gifts we give others.

We pray over each person we would like to find a gift for, and ask God what gift would be a blessing to them. This is so fun because it is really amazing the things God has revealed over time. I have finally learned to relax and not get caught up in finding the perfect gift, but trust that God will reveal it. Sometimes it has been something from a store, sometimes it is something my children or I end up making, but it has brought so much peace not taking on that worry. God did not create the burden of finding the perfect gift. God asks us to give love, and praying about everything to him helps us live in love and do things in love.

Once we have chosen a gift, we begin to wrap the gift and we pray for the person that is receiving the gift. We pray they feel Jesus love wrap around them as we wrap the gift. We also pray anything else that comes to mind for the recipient of the gift. It has been a blessing to do this with my girls, as we tend to be the ones wrapping the gifts. Learning together to pray and seek the Lord at all times.

So this year even if traditions are not followed as usual, maybe you can start a new one by praying over each person on your gift list. Even if you have decided not to exchange gifts this year, you can still bless your family and friends with the gift of the prayers you pray for them. God hears our prayers and delights in them. Let us be so faithful to pray! I pray this encourages you this Christmas and you savor the prayer, the conversations you have with God. Perhaps even finding new traditions to keep you and you family continually talking about, learning and celebrating our Lord and Savior Jesus!

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you so much for the precious one reading this, please wrap them from head to toe in your beautiful love, that they may know how special they are to you. I pray they know the total and complete covering of love they have in Jesus and that absolutely nothing can separate them from this love, on the best day and on the worst day your love is fully upon them. Please grant this precious one your peace that passes all understanding. Grant rest and joy in the unending gift of your love. May they receive your gift of love and give the gift of love. In Jesus Blessed Name. Amen

Praying you feel so wrapped in love,

Priscilla Hale

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