October 2, 2026
The week of Christmas. So much to do. Presents to wrap. Food to cook. Shopping to do. And so much more.
I was up early this morning purposefully because I had so much to do. I was enjoying my coffee and quiet time and the Lord spoke to me and reminded me of the gift of written words, gifts from the heart, gifts that last.
You see, I am a writer of notes and cards and in turn I love receiving them. I’m pretty sure words of affirmation are my love language.
The last few years I have written notes and put them in all my grandchildren’s stockings. The first year I wrote the notes, it was at the last minute. I didn’t really think it was anything special – just something I wanted to do.
The next year, I planned to write them. I wanted to remind my grandchildren how much they meant to me and also to tell them positive things I had noticed in their life – specifically areas of growth, character traits and ways God had used them throughout the year.
I was looking forward to writing the notes again this year. Yesterday, my oldest granddaughter, Libbi, asked me if I was going to leave a note in the stockings again this year. She proceeded to tell me she had saved the ones from previous years. I guess this really is what started me thinking about written, heartfelt gifts – gifts that last.
I have received several of those over the years and have seen other people who have received them as well. Last year Libbi wrote me a letter and had her mom type it and laminate it. It was a written, heartfelt gift. I will cherish it and keep it. I will re-read it and relive the feeling of love over and over.
When we celebrated Christmas with Wayne’s mom last year, my son gave her a written, heartfelt gift. He is the oldest grandchild, and when my father-in-law passed away several years ago, Justin spoke at his funeral. He had typed out what he was going to say for fear he might forget, seeing that it was such an emotional occasion.
Later, he came across the script, printed it out, and gave it to my mother-in-law for Christmas. She sat there and read every word. It was a gift that will last, and I’m sure she will cherish it, keep it and re-read it often. It reminds her of the impact her husband, a grandfather, had on his grandson.
One year when I celebrated my birthday Amy and the girls had a present wrapped in just plain brown paper. Liza decided it needed to be decorated. She drew a grid with about 10 or so boxes on it. In the middle of the paper, she wrote “Mimzy why I love her.” (Mimzy is what my grandchildren call me.) In each of the other boxes she wrote her reasons for loving me which ranged from “I’m a good snuggler” to “I share my candy with her” to “I give warm hugs.” When I opened the present, I was careful to save the paper. It was a written, heartfelt gift – a keeper. I have saved that paper. I cherish it and have read it over and over. It will remind me of the innocence of a child and how easily they love. Believe me it is a gift that will last.
I also have a book that I received from my daughter, Amy, one Mother’s Day. It was titled, “Why a Daughter Needs A Mom.” Each page had just one or two sentences on why a mom is needed. My daughter personalized each page with reasons that coincided with the books’ reasons. It was a written, heartfelt gift. I’m pretty sure she gave me this book before she was even a mom. When there have been some tough times in our relationship I have read and re-read this book. When I needed a pick-me-up, I have read this book. I cherish this written, heartfelt gift and it has met a need many times in my life. It reminds me that even when relationships can be tested and strained – I am still loved.
I have a book that my dad bought me at a garage sale probably two years before he passed away. He knew I loved Thomas Kincaid, and he saw a book and purchased it for me for $1. He wrote a note on the inside and told me he loved me. He never knew this, but it was probably the best dollar he ever spent on me. Not only do I have the heartfelt gift, but I also have his handwriting saying he loved me. I cherish the fact that he gave me a gift that will last, and I will always be reminded of his love for me. It testifies that your written words can have an impact even after you have left this world.
I guess Christmas is just making me a little sentimental. Maybe you know someone who needs a written, heartfelt gift.
I realize the best gift I have ever received or that I could give someone else is telling them about the greatest gift, Jesus. That is the most important and most life-changing gift you or I could give or receive. We are so blessed to have available the written, heartfelt message in the Word of God. Written words are powerful. Our words are powerful. God’s Word holds the most power and is life giving.
We can use our words to share love and appreciation. Written words are words that can be saved. They can be read and re-read. They can lift your spirits on a bad day. They can remind you of feelings and emotions that you may have forgotten. They can be sunshine on a cloudy day. They can remind people of your love when you are no longer able to voice that love directly.
I challenge you this Christmas to give and share a written, heartfelt gift. These gifts are priceless and precious. Heartfelt gifts don’t cost much, but they last forever. You don’t ever have to worry about a receipt or the need to return or exchange them.
These are the gifts you hold onto them forever in your heart and in your mind. To me these are the best gifts. I pray you have a wonderful, blessed Christmas celebrating Jesus. I pray it is full of love, family, laughter, fellowship and a lot of written, heartfelt gifts.
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