The fragrance of Christmas is powerful. We are surrounded by scents of baking, Christmas trees, and turkey or ham. Fragrance can leave a lasting positive impression. So can our conversations and our actions. Here are 3 practical steps to make our words and actions part of the three – free -best Christmas gifts.
The Bible shows us the impact of fragrance in several places. This is one of my favorites.
“Then Mary took a pound of very expensive perfume of pure nard, and she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” John 12:3 (AMP)
In this Scripture, Mary the sister of Lazarus anointed the feet of Jesus. Her act of love and worship filled the house. Imagine breathing in that scent!
God does not call us all to make such extravagant gestures. But I believe that He is pleased when we leave a pleasant aroma behind.
By how we speak and act.
What if the best Christmas gifts were, not the ones, we rushed around to find, but were given with our words and actions?
Impossible you say? I don’t think so.
Here are 3 practical steps to make our words and actions the best gifts this Christmas.
Gifts that give and leave a pleasing fragrance.
Words Chosen Carefully Can be One of the best Christmas Gifts.
Do my words build others around me up? This verse gives me direction:
” And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them.” Ephesians 4:29 (TPT)
Beautiful gifts! Those words would leave a lasting fragrance.
As I get busier preparing for guests and celebrations, sadly, my words are not always beautiful gifts.
But they can be. So, can your words.
For a gift to be truly helpful I need to discern the needs of the recipient. What areas do they need encouragement in?
This is a great place to start. I like to be understood.
Once we know their needs, our verse instructs us to choose words that are not ugly or hateful. This suggests beautiful and loving- uplifting words.
Words filled with grace. Not with undertones of judgment or “I told you so”.
I am guilty of both sometimes.
Slowing Conversations Can be a Gift.
Conversations infused with uplifting words are slow-paced. To give time to select and savor the words.
Slow is the opposite of what I feel like being when I am engaging in the hustle and bustle of a packed schedule.
Or, when I am in stressful Christmas celebrations with family or friends.
Maybe you do too.
Because this is challenging for me, I am trying to speak more slowly. When I do, conversations with my husband and friends are more satisfying.
Speaking carefully with the goal of meeting the needs of others is one practical step we can take to make our words one of the best gifts this Christmas.
Words that will leave a good aroma.
Helping Others: a Win, Win, Win
” Carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the requirements of the law of Christ (that is, the law of Christian love).” Galatians 6:2 (AMP)
We have a double win when we find out the needs of people. Not only can we speak encouragement to them, but we know where they need help. We can act.
If we act and help someone, we are demonstrating Christ’s love.
Their load is lightened.
We have the joy of helping.
Jesus is pleased because we are fulfilling His law.
A win, win, win! Leaving a beautiful fragrance in its wake.
Helping others is one of the three – free – best gifts Christmas.
Be Kind
It’s a phrase that is thrown around a lot right now.
We may think that it is our society’s answer to a new major problem. But, does it surprise you the Bible teaches us to be kind too?
“We will show mercy to the poor and not miss an opportunity to do acts of kindness for others, for these are the true sacrifices that delight God’s heart.” Hebrews 13:16 (TPT)
Kindness can be as simple as smiling at someone.
Treating them the way I would like to be treated.
Giving someone your time. Or a gift of tangible value.
Such acts show a person that they have value.
Kindness shows love. The love of Jesus.
Because God sees kindness as a sacrifice He is delighted.
Another beautiful fragrance lingers behind us.
Our actions that show kindness are one of the best gifts this Christmas.
These three- free- best Christmas gifts are not difficult to give. Their only cost is in the effort it takes to change the way we speak and act. Because they are countercultural in a busy time others may not agree with your new approach to people.
But what outcomes!
- We encourage and validate people
- Our actions help others in tangible ways
- We demonstrate Jesus’ love
- God delights in what we do
- We experience joy
Which gift will you give today?
Photo credits in order of photos: Tim Mossholder on Unsplash, jose aljovin on Unsplash, Randalyn Hill on Unsplash
What a refreshing read for me this morning! As I read your words and soaked them in, my stress level plummeted …I could actually feel my heart rate slowing and my body relaxing….just what this girl needed to start her day. Thank you, thank you, thank you for reminding me to be an encourager today. AND, the scent analogy leaves a wonderful picture in my mind…hoping to leave a bit of God-given scent to others day. 🙂
Thank you, Karen! I am glad that you found this piece helpful. I am picturing you going into your day encouraging people and leaving a God-given scent today. Beautiful!
Conversations & kind words as a gift — what a wonderful concept!!!
A gift that most people would appreciate too I think.