At the birth of Jesus, wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. During Advent and Christmas, we give gifts to one another to celebrate the birth of Jesus, just as the wise men did. Gift of the Magi is an Advent program where you/your family will build relationships and will share fellowship with other First Pres members and families.
How It Works
During Advent, you/your family will be paired with another First Pres individual, couple or family. For the individual, couple, or family assigned to you, you commit to do three things:
- PRAY for the individual, couple, or family whose name you are given through Advent.
- MAKE something for the individual, couple, or family during Advent.
- BUY something for your individual, couple or family from the Presbyterian Mission Catalog – and let them know who the purchase has helped. Access the catalog at https://presbyteriangifts.pcusa.org/
The individual, couple, or family assigned to you does not know initially who has their name. When you register, another person participating in the Gift of the Magi will have your name and be giving to you throughout Advent!
How to participate
- Register online today! You will soon receive the name of a special person, couple, or family assigned to you.
- Brainstorm ideas for how to fulfill your commitment to do three things for that person/family. Determine when and how you will do these things.
- On Sunday, December 6, begin “giving” to the person assigned to you. When you sign up, someone will have your name and be doing 1, 2 and 3 for you, also! The person you are assigned and the person who gets your name will not be the same person. You may keep your identity a secret until December 24, or reveal yourself right away.
A Few Ideas & Examples
- Pray - Pray for the person/family on your way to work/school, on Sunday at church, or in the morning when you wake up or before you go to bed.
- Make something - Bake cookies, knit a scarf or make an ornament
- Things you can purchase - Gifts can be large or small... spend $25 to help educate a child, $125 for an Emergency Life Pack or $300 for the Egg a Day Pledge.