Is It Biblical to Give Christmas Gifts?

Christmas has become very commercialized. We are bombarded with advertisements suggesting the perfect gifts to give family and friends. But if Jesus is the reason for the season, should gift-giving be part of our celebrations?

The First Christmas

Of course, Christmas is our celebration of the birth of Jesus (regardless of whether December 25th is the correct date: read When was Jesus born? ). Therefore, the day Jesus was born was the first Christmas, and every subsequent year marks the anniversary of His birth–what we call His birthday. However, although we celebrate Jesus’ birth, there is no record in the Bible of any such celebration of His birthday.

Furthermore, the Bible does not command us to celebrate Christmas. It instructs us to remember Jesus’ death, not His birth.

That said, there is nothing wrong with commemorating the occasion of Jesus’ birth. Reflecting on and celebrating His incarnation as a human baby and the day God brought us into this world is a good thing to do.

What about the practice of gift-giving?

In Matthew 2:11, we read that precious gifts were given when Jesus was born. But those gifts were presented to Jesus Himself. What about the gifts we exchange with one another?

No biblical reference specifically addresses Christmas gift-giving, and the very early church did not celebrate Jesus’ birth.  However, in 336 AD, the Roman Catholic Church declared December 25th to commemorate the incarnation, so gift-giving likely began around that time — and it may have been inspired by the wise men’s gifts to baby Jesus.

Birthdays in the Bible

Birthday celebrations are believed to date back to around 3,000 BC. The first birthday that is mentioned in the Bible is that of the Pharaoh who imprisoned Joseph.

Genesis 40:20: Now it came to pass on the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.

In Ancient Egypt, these celebrations were lavish and symbolized the Pharaoh’s birth as a ‘god.’  Another birthday mentioned in the Bible is that of Herod:

Matthew 14:6: But when Herod’s birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod.

Neither of these verses mentions gift-giving, but in Job 42, we do read about a celebration that included gifts: 

Job 42:11  Then all his brothers, all his sisters, and all those who had been his acquaintances before, came to him and ate food with him in his house; and they consoled him and comforted him for all the adversity that the LORD had brought upon him. Each one gave him a piece of silver and each a ring of gold.

Job 42:12 states, “Now the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning.”

“More than his beginning”?  Could this have been a birthday celebration for Job? Were the gifts presented to him for his birthday? We don’t know because the Bible does not explicitly say. However, much like our celebrations of Christmas and birthdays today, friends and family gathered, food was enjoyed, and gifts were given.

Answering Our Question: Is It Biblical to Give Christmas Gifts?

The Bible does not condone nor condemn giving gifts for Christmas, birthdays, or other occasions. It does teach the importance of faithful fellowship—with God first and then with others. The Bible also encourages us to give of our treasures—first to God, and then to others — and we are called to be cheerful givers (2 Corinthians 9:7). That means the gifts we purchase and give should come from a place of joy rather than obligation or self-interest. Biblical gift-giving is sacrificial. It aims to meet the needs of others and bring them joy. 

Remember the great gifts you have received:  James 1:17  “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights…” And as you shop for Christmas gifts for family and friends, remember the words of the Lord Jesus Christ: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). 

Enjoy all the holiday festivities, give gifts from the heart to family and friends, and always remember that the greatest present of all is His presence!

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