Unwrap what that means for you as you explore the page below.
It doesn’t matter who you are or what you believe, bring a little curiosity and an open heart, and journey into Gifted with us this Christmas.
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Am I really a gift?
What makes me a gift?
Here are some reasons we came up with
There has never been anyone else exactly like you.
The people who love you couldn’t imagine life without you.
The world is richer because you’re in it.
We’re Christians, so we believe each and every person was made by God with love.
Here’s a spiritual practice to help you see yourself as a gift.
- Stand in front of a mirror.
- Wriggle your body a bit, relax, let go of tension, close your eyes.
- Take a deep breath in…and slowly out.
- Open your eyes and look at yourself in the mirror.
- As you breathe, silently repeat: “I am gifted, made with love.”
Do this for just two minutes.
At first, it might feel silly or awkward – but over time, your mind begins to believe what your heart has always known...
You are worth love. (Honest)
A true story
This is a true story about a woman called Sue – she didn’t feel much like a gift , she felt lost and lonely and forgotten:
Sue’s friend helped her to feel seen and valued. Here’s something to try today: tell a friend, family member, or colleague that they are a gift to you. A simple message – “I’m grateful for you. You’re a gift in my life.”
You might be surprised by how much joy that little sentence can spread.
Is Church really a gift?
A present that opens on a future
Community is precious
Sometimes the world feels more and more fractured, and everyone more and more isolated from one another.
In a world that often makes us feel disposable, community – like the kind you might find in a church – is precious.
If you’ve never stepped into a church, maybe think of it like this: a group of people holding out a wrapped present, saying, “We’d love you to be part of this too.”
Here’s an affirmation practice for you to try.
Some things are best done together:
- Gather with a friend, family member, or community group – people you know relatively well.
- Each person names one thing they value about the other.
- Then pause, and simply receive it – no deflecting, no brushing it off.
It’s amazing how powerful it is to hear someone else call out the gift they see in you.
And equally powerful to speak it over someone else.
Since you’re on the Methodist Church website, you might be wondering, who are Methodists?
At heart, Methodists believe that each person is made by God with love, that God loves you unconditionally – no strings attached, and we’re called to share that love with others.
That’s why you’ll often find Methodists running foodbanks, standing up for justice, singing joyfully, and welcoming all people into community.
Listen to our podcast, "Spill the Spirituality"
Discovering spirituality and connection in unlikely places.
We are healthiest and happiest when we are connected.
Study after study shows that people who have community – friends, neighbours, groups to belong to – are more resilient, less anxious, and more fulfilled.
Community is like a safety net and a springboard: it catches us when we fall, and it lifts us when we’re ready to grow.
So why is community a gift?
Because none of us were made to do life alone.
Is Jesus really a gift?
The gift that lasts...forever
The gift for all people
Even if you’ve never thought much about Jesus, most Christians would describe him as a gift.
A gift freely given who has totally turned our lives upside down.
A gift who goes with us into all the highs and lows of life.
Why?
Want to try a simple way of connecting with God –
the divine, the sacred, whatever name you prefer?
Here’s a 5-minute practice:
- Find a quiet place.
- Close your eyes.
- Whisper, “Jesus, help me to know your love today.”
- Sit in stillness for a few minutes.
You don’t need special words. Just honesty. And an open heart.
Sometimes the gift of prayer is simply realising
you’re not alone.
Sometimes our spiritual practices help us best if we do them regularly, and reflect on them too.
Take a walk, sit with a journal, or pause with a cup of tea. Then ask yourself: Where did I notice love today? Where did I feel cared for?
Love often shows up in small, ordinary ways – a smile, a text message, a helping hand.
Christians believe those are glimpses of God’s love breaking through. Whether or not you believe that, they are moments worth treasuring.
When someone offers you a gift, at some point you choose: will I open it?
Faith is a bit like that. Saying yes to God isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s simply opening your heart to the possibility that God might just be closer than you think.
There are loads of ways you can get to know God better, including reading or listening to the Bible.
Why not try a Bible meditation?
Sue discovered she is a gift, church is a gift, and that Jesus is the gift that changes everything.
Like Sue, you don’t have to rush. You don’t have to pretend. You can simply say, ‘Yes, I’d like to know more.’
It’s the start of a journey, not the end.
We’d love to journey with you some more.
Whether you’re ready for that step or just curious, know this:
the invitation is always open.
The gift is waiting.
Join us for an online Christmas service
Our friends at Shoreline Methodist Community are running an online church service that’s open to anyone – whether you’re more Christian than The Pope or you’d usually avoid anything religious with a barge pole. You are welcome.
Join us on Christmas Eve (24 December) at 5:30pm and Epiphany (6 January) at 7pm.
Secret Santa charity Christmas appeal
For many children Christmas is anything but magical.
Be a Secret Santa with Action for Children and help a vulnerable child feel magic this Christmas.
