Most of us like to receive gifts. Well, at least gifts that we want, or can use, or that are meaningful to us. Most guys (older than 20) don’t ask for much or have an extensive gift list for Christmas, but sometimes we get a nice present, that we may not even expect, which we truly appreciate. This past week, I asked a group of 10-12 year old boys in Sunday School if they could remember what their favorite gift that they have ever received. I got a lot of answers like toys, games, and even a shirt that they were really excited about, and they apparently really anticipated as well. As 5 or more boys answered, one young man impulsively chimed in, after considering the question again, that Jesus was one of the greatest gifts as well. He was starting to get where we were headed. So, besides Jesus, what was your favorite gift you remember getting in your early years of life?
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17
Maybe if you are our of your 20s now, instead of anticipating what you will get at Christmas, you look forward to giving gifts to those you love. You maybe try to find out what your kids or spouse is hoping for and you ordered it, or you found something that you think is in their area of interest and look forward to seeing their reaction. If you are like me, even finding oddball items that you maybe never even knew existed are more your kind of gifts to elicit surprise. Regardless, getting things for those who will truly appreciate them, or even be really surprised is a fun things to do. Even making sure all your friends and family are able to celebrate and dine together, though not always simple, is what you want most. Do you like to give good gifts even to those that may not truly understand their worth?
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10
So, as you gather this coming week, remember as we give and receive gifts for one another, that we have all received the greatest gift that we didn’t earn or deserve. When we start to understand the depth of the love that God has bestowed upon us in Christ, then we are moved not only to fully receive and appreciate this gift, but to share it with others as well. If this Pearl of great price is available to each of us, why would we not want to share it generously? May you rediscover the greatness of God’s Gift to us each Christmas and throughout the year!
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Yours in Christ,
Clark
