How do you choose gifts for others? Do you think about things you like and wonder if maybe they would, too? Do you think about something you’ve heard them mention before? Do you think about the things they like to do or are good at? So much can go into gift-giving!

When we think back to that night over 2,000 years ago, when the Perfect Gift came to us, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger, we see that our gifts to others do not have to be the most sophisticated or the most expensive. Instead, it should take some pressure off our shoulders, as we see the gifts that often matter most are the ones full of meaning.

Maybe, like Haggai leader Zoe Diaz De Rivera, that gift you share is your time or talents. As the president of the Metro Manila Chapter of the Philippines Haggai Alumni Association (PHIAA), she spearheaded a team that transitioned into using free online tools in order to make it easier for people to register for Haggai national seminars (A singular event in which men and women from two or more nations go through similar equipping as the Haggai Leader Experience, led by Haggai alumni associations). Though she didn’t feel the most qualified in the technical sphere, Zoe “has learned along the way” how to work technology to the advantage of those she serves. This helped immensely as they transitioned to virtual national seminars.

Zoe shares, “Since completing the Haggai Leader Experience myself, I have volunteered as program coordinator in several national seminars, both face-to-face and virtually. I had the privilege of facilitating a seminar and I continue to participate in equipping events whenever I can. My hope is to be able to volunteer more as a facilitator to help prepare our leaders as they grow as evangelists and to equip others to do the same. I want to share that free gift of salvation that was given to us by the Christ child, Immanuel — God with us.”

This season, Zoe is passing on the greatest gift, the Good News of Christ.

“As we prepare our hearts to welcome Him anew this month, I am happy to continue a tradition we started in the Metro Manila Chapter of the PHIAA. We conduct an evangelistic and gift-giving event for children from families who are informal settlers. This event puts a smile on the faces of all who attend, both the volunteers and the families. A time full of joy and laughter sharing the true meaning of Christmas. We’ll give a gift that might be the catalyst that helps others make a heart change that will benefit them for all eternity. A time to share Christ, THE GIFT that keeps on giving.”

Written by Valerie Dyke