Confirmation Gift Suggestions

Confirmation Gift Suggestions

Most assume the giving of gifts began at the birth of Christ when the three kinds visited. Whether or not that actually be the truth, the giving of gifts is a long, long tradition practiced all over the world. Christmas is not the only time for gift giving. There are many other occasions from birthdays to anniversaries, from graduations to retirement. There are also many objects or spiritual entities people, in general, assume are gifts from God. Among these are life, freedom, the differences and achievements of each season of the year. For some just the ability to see or to walk is a gift. For others being able to choose where they live or with whom they live is a gift. Many gifts are not tangible but never the less they serve to shape us as we are. An example of those gifts is the confirmation gifts of the Holy Spirit given to each individual when they are confirmed.

The Seven Confirmation Gifts of the Holy Spirit are recognized by Roman Catholics, Anglicans and Lutherans as a means to further their sanctification through Christ. The seven gifts are described to us in Isaiah 11:2-3. They are (as described in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and defined by St. Thomas Aquinas in the Summa Theological):

Wisdom to see God at work in our lives and throughout the world
Understanding Common Sense or the ability to comprehend life as follower of Jesus Christ
Counsel (Right Judgment) to know the difference between right and wrong

Courage (Fortitude) the ability to overcome fear in order to be able to take risks as a follower of Jesus.

Knowledge to understand the meaning of God's Revelation through the Scriptures and Tradition and many other ways

Reverence (Piety) Gathering a deep sense of respect for God and the Church

Fear of the Lord (Awe of God in the gift of wonder and awe we become aware of the glory and majesty of God.

According to St. Thomas Aquinas, the four gifts of wisdom, understanding, knowledge and counsel direct the intellect. Fortitude, reverence and fear of the Lord direct ones will toward God.

The Summa Theological asserts that the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit correspond with the seven Capitol Virtues in this way:

Wisdom to Charity
Understanding to Faith
Counsel to Prudence
Fortitude to Courage
Knowledge to Faith
Piety to Justice
Fear if the Lord to Hope

The Seven confirmation gifts of the Holy Spirit were represented as doves in Medieval Art, especially in the 'Tree of Jesse' which shows the Genealogy of Jesus.

Confirmation Medals as Confirmation Gifts

886SS Confirmation Medal R16368