Christmas is the season for so many wonderful traditions and fun activities. It is the best time of year to give and share gifts with others. We present gifts to friends and family like the Wise Men presented their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Our Lord Jesus.
Each year, Christmas shoppers search for the perfect gift for each person on their Christmas list. Whether it is shopping in a store or browsing online, we know the time is ticking away as December 25 quickly draws closer.
Think back to a time when you received a special gift. What do you remember about this unique gift? Why did you like it and how did it make you feel? Do you remember who gave you the gift? Do you still have it?
Some of us prefer giving gifts to others, while some of us prefer to be on the receiving end. Of course, many of us like to do both. Whether you are the giver or the recipient, you will benefit and be blessed in some way.
As the giver, you can experience joy, happiness, and excitement watching the person receive and open the gift that you have presented to them. As the receiver, you can experience surprise, gratitude, and kindness while receiving and opening your gift.
We have all met someone who is very generous with gift-giving. Who is the most generous person you know? What makes them such a giving person? Why do they enjoy giving to others?
Of course, there is someone who has given more gifts than anyone else you could ever imagine. He continues to shower every person on this planet with amazing and thoughtful gifts. No one person on earth can out give him.
God, our Father, is the greatest gift giver. From the beginning of time, God has been lavishing gifts on His creation, and thankfully He has never stopped.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17
Being the recipients of His many wonderful gifts, we are constantly reminded of how blessed and loved we are. Showing our deep appreciation and gratitude to the Lord is something we need to do every day.
From Genesis through Revelation, God’s Word explains the numerous gifts the Lord has given and will continue to give to us. A few examples from His Word include the following:
1) Grace (Ephesians 4:7-8)
2) Salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9)
3) Justification and Righteousness (Romans 5:15-17)
4) Eternal Life (Romans 6:23)
5) The Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38-39)
6) Spiritual Gifts (I Corinthians 12:4-11)
7) Wisdom (James 1:5)
8) Strength and Power (Isaiah 40:29)
9) Peace (John 14:27)
10) Joy (John 15:9-11)
Wow, these are just a sampling of the wonderful gifts that our Father has given to us! Amazingly, there are so many more gifts available to us that are contained in His Word.
During this Christmas season, take some time to remember and thank the Lord for the gifts He has personally given to you. Create your own list of God’s gifts from this year, last year, or the past 5 years. Write a prayer of thanksgiving for these gifts by naming each one and explaining to the Lord how they have blessed and helped you. As you glance back and remember, you will be thrilled and astonished at how much the Lord has abundantly blessed and loved you. As you celebrate Christmas this year, thank God for the best gift He has ever given you, His one and only Son, Jesus Christ.
“For this is how much God loved the world—he gave his one and only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life.” John 3:16 (The Passion)
When you think about it, Jesus Christ is the only gift we really need both now and forever. Wow, what an amazing and fantastic gift from the greatest gift giver ever!
“Praise God for this incredible, unbelievable, indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15 (The Voice)
Merry Christmas to all my sisters in Christ! Please enjoy this lyric video of the song, “Give This Christmas Away” by Matthew West and Amy Grant. It is a beautiful song about sharing the love and joy of Christmas by giving it away to others.
Cheryl Sprankle
Cheryl Sprankle and her husband Dave, who live in Hagerstown, MD, have been married for 25 years. They are the blessed parents of 2 adult daughters and 1 teenage son. They enjoy living in the country with their many 4-legged friends: 2 cats, 2 dogs, and 1 horse.
Having served in many ministries within her church over the years, Cheryl enjoys using her gifts and talents to help and bless others. She loves teaching, serving, and working with women and children.
Her desire is to help others discover the many, amazing ways God has created them, and how to use their unique gifts and talents for God and His Kingdom.
Although Cheryl has worn many hats (wife, mom, home educator, teacher, mentor, crafter, and friend) during her life, her favorite hat, which is a crown, is daughter of King Jesus.
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