GODLY GIFTS
December 07, 2018
Prayer: Dear Lord, I am available to be used by You this time of year to be a blessing to someone. Please show me if they need something from my heart instead of a material thing. I want to honor You and share Your love. Amen.
Scripture: If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! Luke 11:13 NIV
Christmas seems to come earlier every year. Not just in the department stores, but it seems we start rehearsals for pageants and cantatas in the very early fall. I always wanted to feel like I had a Christmas break, so I learned to shop year-round for presents in order to find just the right gift, while spreading out the costs, especially on an educator’s budget. It is a fun and less stressful way to approach December. My goal every year is to be done with all that needs to be mailed before Thanksgiving and wrap up all else by the end of the first week. I do not like crowds, so shopping in December is the last thing I want to do. We decorate, bake and attend gatherings like you all do. The problem is that no matter how hard we try, no matter how much thought goes into it, earthly gifts are temporary, some are impersonal, and others impractical. I might think they are great but the recipient may wonder, “What was she thinking?” Have you ever received a gift like that? No matter how hard we try or how well we think we know someone the best we can hope for is “good.”
God, on the other hand, gives out perfect gifts. We celebrate this time because He gave us His Son, our Redeemer, the perfect Lamb of God. He sent the one and only perfect Christmas present. Then He sent the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is referred to as a gift many times in Scripture. God always knows just what we need and He gives all year round. As you prepare for this Christmas season, share God’s gifts with others. Many people suffer during this time due to loneliness, lost loved ones, tight finances or just feeling overwhelmed. Pray for others who are going through hard times during this Christmas season.
Copyright Kathy Branzell. Email [email protected]