Advent Reflection: 21st December - Jo Pountney

Every day in Advent 2016 we will be sharing short reflections from authors, Christian charities and Eden team members.

What I Give

Finding the right gift is one of my favourite parts of Christmas. I love the anticipation of giving a gift and waiting to see the recipients face. I'm hoping for the eyes-light-up moment - not the confused ‘why on earth had she brought me this?’, or the quick glance to the left ‘thank you it's lovely’ - the just keep smiling moment.

Since becoming a mum I've learnt lots about gifting. My little boy has 3 responses:

1. Wow, that's just what I wanted, and I'm going to keep repeating the name of it until you believe it's real. This is the holy grail of gift giving

2. Wow, this is awesome, it's so cool...what is it and what do I do with it? I really just spent 5 minutes unwrapping this? Let's put it down and get to a good present

3. This is embarrassing when the gift has been given by a friend or relative and is usually followed by me saying something like ‘It's all just so overwhelming isn't it?’

It's easy to get caught up in Christmas gifting and forget what the most precious thing you have to give is though this December.
You

That's right, the gift that everything you love wants this year is You. Even God as creator of the universe and one who can have anything he wants - wants you.

I'm reminded of being a teenager. For a number of years I was lucky enough to get a solo in the Christmas carol concert - I really wanted to sing O Come O Come Emmanuel, but our singing teacher had other ideas, so year after year I sang In the Bleak Midwinter - not the cheeriest carol on the sheet but it's been a blessing in disguise as I'll never forget the words of that final verse.

What I can I give him give him my heart.

God, family, toddlers with bountiful energy, they all want the same thing. Us, our time, attention, heart. The best present we can give this year is to our presence, that's where we'll find true joy this Christmas.

Jo is Head of the Eden Sales and Marketing team, she's been at Eden for the past 11 years, is married to Marcus and has a 2 year old that is super excited for Christmas - probably due to the fact that she started hyping him up in October.