Written By
Riley Parsons
Professional Writing Student
A devotional exploring the heart, biblical roots and Christmas gift history behind gift giving — from the wise men and Jesus to today’s traditions.
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Approved and verified accurate by the Local Outreach Ministry Coordinator of Spiritual Life on Nov. 19, 2025.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
— Matthew 2:11, NIV
God does not give because He must; He gives because He is God. His generosity flows from His nature and not from our worthiness. From Adam’s first breath to the promise of a Savior in the Garden of Eden to Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross, every gift God has ever given has been purposeful and good.
The greatest gift, Jesus, of course, shows us that God’s giving is rooted in love.
When we give, we attempt to echo that divine rhythm. Giving becomes worship because it reminds us that everything we offer — our time, words, presence, physical gifts — is only possible because God gave them first. We do not give to earn favor; we give because grace has already been poured out.
The most lasting gifts are not wrapped in sparkling paper. They are found only through Christ.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.”
— James 1:17, NIV
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.”
— John 3:16, NIV
My little sister Leah turns 17 this early December. Her birthday always falls right in the middle of the Christmas rush, but she doesn’t seem to mind. Every year, our family celebrates her life before moving into the celebration of Christ’s birth. It is a beautiful reminder that every life is a gift.
Her birthday always makes me think about how God’s generosity isn’t limited to one season. Each new day, each breath, each relationship is something He has freely given. When we celebrate the people we love, we honor that truth.
Happy Birthday, Leah! I love you.
Every December, my mom pulls out the boxes of wrapping paper, my dad brings the fancy and nostalgic decorations in from the garage, and my sister and I untangle yards of white and multicolored flickering lights. This marks the start of the Christmas season in our house. The smell of pine and cinnamon candles fills our home, and the kitchen counter becomes a workshop of homemade soup, ornaments and tape.
We love Christmas and especially look forward to giving gifts to one another. Every year, though, I try to take a moment to pause and reflect on what gift-giving during the season truly means.
At its heart, giving is about love made visible. It’s not just about what’s inside the box but the thought and care behind it. This simple act connects us to something much larger than ourselves.
That is where the story of giving began, and it is where we find its meaning still.
Gift-giving has deep roots in human history and an even more profound foundation in Scripture, with the most famous story arguably being the wise men traveling to visit Jesus after His birth.
When the men voyaged the long journey to Bethlehem (about 90 miles), they carried treasures for the prophesied King, young Jesus.
Each gift carried a symbolic purpose: gold represented Jesus as King; frankincense (a rich mixture of sage and incense used in Old Testament worship) pointed to His divinity, and myrrh, a kind of spice used in burial to preserve the body, hinted at the sacrifice He would one day make. These were not random or practical offerings. They were expressions of faith and recognition that this child was the long-awaited Messiah.
That journey to Bethlehem was more than just a pillar of the Christmas story. It was also the foundation for our understanding of giving itself: an act of gratitude offered to God and a reflection of worship and faith.
The act of giving is a pinnacle of God’s character.
The tradition of exchanging gifts during the winter season dates back even before the coming of Christ. In ancient Rome, people celebrated Saturnalia, a December festival that included feasts, music and small gifts like candles or coins to symbolize good fortune and friendship.
As Christianity spread and the Christmas story evolved after Jesus’ death and resurrection, the wise men and their gifts added new meaning to this tradition. What had once been a cultural custom for the colder Middle Eastern season became a way to honor the birth of Christ. Over time, this evolved into what we now know as “Christmas gift history.”
Later, Saint Nicholas of Myra, a bishop in the 4th century, became known for his generosity to the poor and for secretly giving to those in need. His kindness inspired centuries of giving traditions, eventually blending into the standard Christmas tradition we recognize today.
At Grand Canyon University, we talk often about living with purpose and serving others. Gift giving can be one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to live that out. Whether it’s volunteering with a campus ministry, helping a friend through finals or offering a small token of encouragement, each act of generosity becomes a reflection of faith.
True giving does not depend on how much we have but on how much love we choose to share. It is rooted in gratitude. As we enter this season, let’s remember that every thoughtful gift and every kind word can point someone back to the greatest gift the world has ever received.
Celebrate the Season of Giving
This holiday season, reflect on the greatest gift: God’s grace. Discover how GCU can help you grow in your faith and share your gifts with others.
