7 Gifts I’d Like to Open That Won’t Be Under My Christmas Tree This Year

Around this time of year, my husband and daughters ask me for a list of things I want for Christmas. I often have a hard time coming up with ideas for them!

However, in the weird way that my mind works sometimes, I started thinking about what it’d be like to create a list of spiritual “gifts” I’d like to receive. I came up with a list of those fairly quickly! Maybe it’s because I see many areas in my walk with Christ that need to improve.

No, these won’t be under my tree this year. But they’re available to all of us if we’re willing to submit ourselves to the teaching of God’s Word and His Holy Spirit.

So if spiritual things could be boxed up, here’s what I’d want to unwrap on Christmas morning.

1. An awareness of Jesus’ presence in my life every single day.

How often do we start our day with Him, then trudge through the remaining hours in our own strength and understanding. Or maybe that’s just me!

“The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

I’d like to live every day in the realization that Jesus is with me, and that God the Father is watching over and guiding me through every circumstance.

2. More trust and less worry.

I feel like I have grown in this area, but there’s definitely room for improvement! Do you tend to worry first, then move to trust? That’s my default mode, but I want trust to be my first response.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” ~Proverbs 3:5-6

“All worrying makes you King and God incompetent.” ~Ann Voskamp

3. Wisdom

This gift is priceless. We need it every day – in our marriage, our parenting, and other relationships. We need it for guidance in decision making. Wisdom is an incredibly valuable gift, and we’re told how to get it. It comes as we fear the Lord and ask Him for it.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” ~Proverbs 9:10

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” ~James 1:5

4. A heart full of worship.

Our God deserves our praise. This is a season when we sing about worshipping and adoring Him, but let’s make it a reality in our lives throughout the year. More than just words from our lips, our worship can flow from our souls as we bow our hearts before Him.

“Sing unto the Lord, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation. Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods.” ~1 Chronicles 16:23-25

5. A readiness to fight temptation with Scripture.

Having a Bible verse at the ready when we’re tempted to __________ [gossip/lose our temper/complain/allow bitterness in] will help us get victory over sin. That means we have to memorize verses that apply to whatever temptation we find ourselves facing. God’s Word has power over sin!

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” ~Psalm 119:11

6. Freedom from negative thoughts.

I don’t know about you, but I can so easily slip into a mental rant about a particular person or situation that I don’t feel is right. It would be much better to put my energy into praying about it and free up my mind for better things!

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8

7. Eyes to see the needs of others.

Often this is just a case of us needing to slow down and notice. We can also ask God to open our eyes to ways we can help anyone He brings across our path. Whether it’s sharing the gospel with a person who’s lost or easing a financial burden, the first step is to see the need.

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” ~Galatians 6:2

Is there another spiritual gift you find yourself in need of this Christmas season? How thankful we can be that the baby Jesus we’re celebrating provided a way for us to become the children of God and have access to all that He provides!

Related posts:

• Unwrap the Gift of Peace This Christmas
• 3 Gifts I Want My Children to Receive This Christmas
• It’s the Gift We All Need