What is White Gift Sunday?

During Advent, many churches celebrate White Gift

Sunday. The well-known history of this Sunday begins in 1903 in Painesville, Ohio, when a woman, concerned by her children arguing over gifts, suggested that they and the children of the Sunday school bring gifts to church for those in need.

By wrapping the gifts in white paper their value was

obscured, the love of giving without return was

emphasized, and everyone was able to participate

regardless of economic status.

In many communities today, poverty goes unseen. Churches still play a vital role not only in making

someone’s Christmas with simple gifts, but also in

declaring that unseen needs are not forgotten.

This is the joy that Mary expresses in her Magnificat: that God sees the needs of God’s people and promises to

rectify injustice, reconcile relationships, and mend the

broken.

The liturgical significance of actual gifts given in worship is the visibility of the offering and the ability of people of all ages to contribute.