Winning Ways -- Hillcrest Baptist Church

When Regifting is Right
by Tom Goodman
December 11, 2013

Christmas is a perfect time for regift-giving.

You haven't heard of regifting? We're going to talk about it this Sunday -- and we're going to give you a gift to regift this season.

Fans of Seinfeld will claim that the word entered into popular culture from an episode where Elaine complained that a colleague gave Jerry a gift she had earlier given to him. "He regifted!" she shouted in indignation. "He's a regifter!"

Since then, however, the habit has gained wider acceptance. In fact, there's even an annual "National Regifting Day" the Thursday before Christmas. Money Management International, a nonprofit credit-counseling agency, promotes the day as way to encourage consumers to cut holiday spending and "reduce, reuse, recycle and regift" presents instead. In a recent survey conducted by the agency, 60 percent of respondents said they had regifted or planned to do so.

Of course, there are rules to this sort of thing. The guide to manners, Emily Post, allows regifting of only new, unopened items. Don't regift a book with a cracked spine, for example, or a half-used gift card.

Well, I'll leave it up to others to determine how -- or whether -- to regift at your upcoming office holiday party. But just know that there's something that's always right to pass along to others. You were given a great gift when someone told you the story of Jesus and invited you to receive him as your Savior. Have you passed along that good gift to another?

Christmas is an ideal time to do so. Naturally, curiosity about the story of Jesus is higher at this time of year. Don't pass up the chance to help others understand it!

At Hillcrest, we want to help you regift this good news you received. In this week's sermon, I'll talk about how to use the Christmas story to share your faith. Then, during our small-group hour, we're going to give you a gift to give to someone else. In the adult groups, you'll get a copy of Lee Strobel's The Case for Christmas. The youth and children's classes will have their own age-appropriate gifts to regift, too. The worship service starts at 10am and our small-group classes gather at 11am.

Also, on Sunday night at 6pm, all our music groups will join together to celebrate the sounds of the season. Bring someone!

--Tom

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When Regifting is Right by Tom Goodman December 11, 2013 Christmas is a perfect time for regift-giving. You haven't heard of regifting? We're going to talk about it this Sunday -- and we're going to give you a gift to regift this season. Fans of Seinfeld will claim that the word entered into popular culture from an episode where Elaine complained that a colleague gave Jerry a gift she had earlier given to him. "He regifted!" she shouted in indignation. "He's a regifter!" Since then, however, the habit has gained wider acceptance. In fact, there's even an annual "National Regifting Day" the Thursday before Christmas. Money Management International, a nonprofit credit-counseling agency, promotes the day as way to encourage consumers to cut holiday spending and "reduce, reuse, recycle and regift" presents instead. In a recent survey conducted by the agency, 60 percent of respondents said they had regifted or planned to do so. Of course, there are rules to this sort of thing. The guide to manners, Emily Post, allows regifting of only new, unopened items. Don't regift a book with a cracked spine, for example, or a half-used gift card. Well, I'll leave it up to others to determine how -- or whether -- to regift at your upcoming office holiday party. But just know that there's something that's always right to pass along to others. You were given a great gift when someone told you the story of Jesus and invited you to receive him as your Savior. Have you passed along that good gift to another? Christmas is an ideal time to do so. Naturally, curiosity about the story of Jesus is higher at this time of year. Don't pass up the chance to help others understand it! At Hillcrest, we want to help you regift this good news you received. In this week's sermon, I'll talk about how to use the Christmas story to share your faith. Then, during our small-group hour, we're going to give you a gift to give to someone else. In the adult groups, you'll get a copy of Lee Strobel's The Case for Christmas. The youth and children's classes will have their own age-appropriate gifts to regift, too. The worship service starts at 10am and our small-group classes gather at 11am. Also, on Sunday night at 6pm, all our music groups will join together to celebrate the sounds of the season. Bring someone! --Tom Beacon Articles Available Online: The staff newsletters that appear each week in the Beacon are also available on our website. You can find them here. Check out my weblog here. Do you know friends who would appreciate Winning Ways? Just forward this e-mail to them! Have you subscribed to Winning Ways? You can subscribe by clicking here and following the instructions. Your e-mail address will not be sold or given away to anyone, and you can automatically change your subscription or drop it by following the easy steps provided with each e-mail. FRESH NEWS AT HILLCREST UPDATED WEEKLY: www.hillcrestaustin.org LISTEN TO RECENT SERMONS: Click here. MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS TO OUR EMAIL NEWSLETTERS: Click here. If you do not have access to the web, please send a note to newsmaster@hbcaustin.org to tell us of any changes you would like to make.