The Christmas season is a time to reflect on the joy of giving and the blessings we’ve received. The Book of Mormon offers profound lessons about gifts and giving, reminding us that true giving is inspired by love, faith, and the example of Jesus Christ.
Below are key scriptures that teach us how to embody the spirit of Christmas through the gifts we give and receive. In the spirit of giving, feel free to share these with your friends and family!
1. Look to Christ, the Source of All Gifts
“Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life.”
—3 Nephi 15:9
At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the greatest gift ever given. He invites us to look to Him as the light of the world and to follow His example. Eternal life is His ultimate gift to those who endure faithfully, and it inspires us to take part in gifts and giving that bring lasting joy and meaning.
2. Impart Freely to Those in Need
“And now, if God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent for your lives and for all that ye have and are, doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith, believing that ye shall receive, O then, how ye ought to impart of the substance that ye have one to another.”
—Mosiah 4:21
King Benjamin reminds us that God gives freely to us and asks us to do the same for others. During the Christmas season, we can follow this counsel by sharing our abundance with those who are less fortunate. Whether through donations, service, or simple acts of kindness, our gifts and giving can reflect the generosity of our Heavenly Father.
3. Give According to Your Means
“Alma commanded that the people of the church should impart of their substance, every one according to that which he had; if he have more abundantly he should impart more abundantly; and of him that had but little, but little should be required; and to him that had not should be given.”
—Mosiah 18:27
The principle of giving according to what we have teaches us that every gift, no matter the size, can make a difference. Alma’s example encourages us to focus on the heart behind our giving, ensuring that even small efforts can bless lives. Living by this principle allows us to find joy in gifts and giving in all their shapes and sizes.
4. Give Light to Those in Darkness
“And thus the Lord caused stones to shine in darkness, to give light unto men, women, and children, that they might not cross the great waters in darkness.”
—Ether 6:3
The Jaredites were blessed with light to guide them across the ocean. In a similar way, we can give the gift of light to others by sharing hope, encouragement, and truth. During Christmas, we can offer spiritual and emotional light by pointing others to Christ and His love.
5. Sacrifice for Others
“And this they did, vouching and covenanting with God, that rather than shed the blood of their brethren they would give up their own lives; and rather than take away from a brother they would give unto him.”
—Alma 24:18
The Anti-Nephi-Lehies teach us about the gift of sacrifice. They chose to give rather than take and labored diligently to bless others. This Christmas, we can follow their example by sacrificing our time, resources, or comforts to serve others. These gifts, though not always tangible, reflect the love and humility of Christ.
6. Receiving the Greatest Gift
“In the gift of his Son hath God prepared a more excellent way.”
—Ether 12:11
God’s gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, is the greatest expression of love the world has ever known. At Christmas, we celebrate this divine gift, which offers hope, redemption, and eternal life. Reflecting on this perfect gift can inspire us to give in ways that uplift and bring eternal blessings to others.
7. Belonging and Fellowship Are Gifts
“But behold, ye have both heard my voice, and seen me; and ye are my sheep, and ye are numbered among those whom the Father hath given me.”
—3 Nephi 15:24
Christ’s declaration to the Nephites reminds us of the gift of belonging. During the holidays, we can give the gift of fellowship by reaching out to those who feel lonely or forgotten. By inviting others to feel loved and included, we reflect the Savior’s love and His desire to gather us all into His fold.
Gifts and Giving: Lessons from the Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon teaches that the greatest gifts we can give are love, service, faith, and sacrifice. As we focus on Christ this Christmas, we can give in ways that bring joy and lasting peace. Through our acts of kindness and charity, we reflect the Savior’s love and honor the spirit of the season.
What gifts and giving will you take part in this Christmas to reflect the love of Christ? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Holly Wallace is a writer and storyteller drawn to meaningful questions and overlooked details. Her work explores Latter-day Saint life and culture through faithful inquiry, inviting readers to pause, consider, and engage more deeply with what matters most.
