This is Day 1 of the 30 Days of Giving: Making Christmas Meaningful campaign, which is designed to bring the Believe.com community creative and practical ways to cheerfully give this holiday season through gifts, relationships and charity. Come visit the 30 Days of Giving Advent Calendar each day in our countdown to Christmas for intriguing and original ways to help you to experience and spread the spirit of joyful giving that God intended throughout the holiday season.

Christmas is a holiday meant to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, instill generosity of spirit, inspire kindness and spread generosity through acts of love. However, the marketing aspect of the holiday has given rise to a more commercial view of what Christmas entails.

The media often tries to steer away from the scriptural aspect of the holiday and instead focuses on the Santa Claus and reindeer characters. While these characters can be great for inspiring imagination and creativity in children, they can sometimes cloud the true meaning of the holiday, even for adults. That’s why it’s more important now than ever to bless those we love with the best gift we can give them this Christmas … the Word of God.

While giving material gifts is a great way to show appreciation, hospitality and kindness towards others, there are other gifts that can be worth far more than anything you could possibly purchase. It’s important not to forget what the true spirit of the holiday is and how to use it to enrich your life and the lives of those around you.

Although Christmas is only one day out of the month of December, the spirit of the holiday is far more than just one day. Just as a family’s Christmas tree is set up and displayed throughout the month, families have far more than just one day to celebrate with friends and family members. Using the full month of December to celebrate with loved ones can be done by giving gifts in the form of quality time and spreading the Word of God.

But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. —2 Thessalonians 2:13-15

Using the holiday to commune with your loved ones over your common faith can be a great way to give the gift of spirituality rather than something purchased at the store. Quality time with your friends and family members is something that can be hard to come by, especially in these difficult economic times where everyone seems to work longer hours with little recreational time.

However, Christmas isn’t just about communing with others that share your same beliefs, values and morals. Christmas can be a great time to help spread the Word of Christ to those who may not be as spiritually active throughout the year.

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. —Mark 16:15-16

While it may be easy to spend quality time with those of the same faith, spreading the Word of Christ is not about taking the easiest route. Giving the gift of Scripture can make a life changing difference that can become a gift without measure. Taking the time to read and share Scripture in order to spread the Word of God can be the most heartfelt gift you can give this Christmas.

Instead of thinking of what presents you can purchase to wrap this Christmas, think about gifts you can give that can make a real difference in someone’s life. There is no price you can put on the worth of quality time or the measure of how Scripture can affect someone’s life. 

Christmas is the perfect time of year, as it provides an opportunity to give the gift of God’s Word. Not only will you be giving a gift that will remain memorable throughout the year, but you will also be receiving the gift of communing with others about your faith.