Gift Exchange

Gift Exchange - A Series for Advent, Christmas and the New Year

Life hands us difficult experiences that weigh us down: despair, anxiety, sorrow, darkness, and feelings of meaninglessness. In the midst of all this, God holds out precious and life-giving gifts – hope, peace, joy, love, light, and purpose.

This Advent season, as we prepare for gift exchanges with friends and family, we will reflect on the gifts given to us by the greatest giver of all and how we can receive and embrace those gifts even in the most difficult of times.

December 8: Anxiety for Peace | John 14:27
In the midst of troubling times, Jesus holds out the gift of peace. The peace Jesus gives is one that we cannot find in other things in this world.

December 15: Sorrow for Joy | Psalm 30
When we experience sorrow, we can turn to God, trusting that joy will come again as a freely given gift.   

December 24, Christmas Eve: Darkness for Light | Isaiah 9:2-7
Christ gives us the gift of light in the darkest moments of our lives. His light will guide and lead us into abundant life.

December 29: Despair for Hope | Psalm 121:1-8
In life, we go through dark valleys that can lead us into despair. In such times, God gives the gift of hope in God’s love and protection.

January 5: Fear for Love | 1 John 4:7-19
Fear can lead us into hating the people that God created. But fear loses its power when we receive the gift of love. We are made complete in love.

January 12: Meaninglessness for Purpose | Jeremiah 29:11
Through our lives, we sometimes feel lost, not knowing who we are and where we are heading. God finds us in these places and gives us the gift of purpose for our lives.