Review: A Brief Theology of Christmas Presents

 

As Christmas is upon us, it seems appropriate to read, A Brief Theology of Christmas Presents by Douglas Wilson.

Wilson argues that one must consider the nature of gifts, the nature of giving, the nature of receiving, and the goodness of the material world to arrive at the title’s goal.

First, the nature of gifts is found in grace (5) and giving fills a need and results in thanksgiving (7). The ground of all generosity – of all gift-giving – is the giving of God the Son to us in the Incarnation (8).

Wilson says there are three categories of gifts:  the tithe – the ten percent of one’s gross income that God requires, offerings – gifts above the required ten percent, and celebrations (10). Christmas gifts are part of the third category.

One does not give to get, rather, we give gifts on order to be able to give more (13). God gives more for giving to those who give. God does not pay off someone with more for oneself for giving.

Second, the nature of giving is understood in Jesus’ saying that it is more blessed to give that to receive” (20). To be blessed, Wilson points out, is to receive. Therefore, in giving, one receives from God “a blessing given by another” (21). Thus, the nature of giving is the desire to receive nothing for the giving except to have been obedient to God. “To be blessed in giving is to be a receiver” (30).

Third, the nature of receiving involves “giving to get to give some more” (32). Being a true receive is done in humility and equips the receiver to give more (38). Receiving is not about pride and hoarding but being made able to give more.

Fourth, to see any good in gifts, one must acknowledge that the world – the material world is good. God created the material world good, and God the Son incarnate and remains forever a real, material human being. Thus, the material world must be good (44).

The theology of Christmas presents, therefore, is – by example of the giving of Jesus Christ – the giving of celebratory gifts is good – the giving of material gifts is good. The giving of gifts is not part of a quid pro quo but giving only to receive the blessing from God. In receiving from God and from others, one is prepared to thankfully give more.

Gifts rightly given at Christmas reflect Who Jesus is, that He remains human, so the world is good, and that gifts prepare the giving and the receiver to give more to the glory of Christ.

[This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com].