Sometimes I read a devotional which I enjoy so much that I get permission to share it with you. This is certainly one of those. It was written by John Fischer, but I have had to abbreviate it.
“The holidays are here and gift giving once again moves to center stage. It’s easy to become cynical about this because of the over-commercialization of Christmas, but there is truth hidden in the bright lights, the colorful boxes, and the rush of shoppers bringing home their treasures.
Where did all this gift giving come from anyway, if it didn’t come from God? No, God and Macy’s are not in cahoots; it’s just that God started it all. God gave us the most perfect gift for all seasons, His only Son, who brought light to the world and forgiveness of sins through His death on the cross. But He didn’t stop there. God’s perfect gift just keeps on giving.
The Bible tells us that God gives at least one “spiritual gift” to every Christian. Think of it as a big, beautifully wrapped box arriving just for you, and from God Himself. Inside is a special gift which will not only bless you, but also enables you to do something for others. The Scriptures list some of these gifts as; mercy, faith, encouragement, wisdom, knowledge, and discernment.
I remember Christmases growing up when I would arrange all my gifts neatly on my bed. It was always a smaller pile than I anticipated, but it was mine nonetheless. However, there was always the last gift – nothing more to open. That’s all there was. I could wear them or play with them (until they broke).
But the gifts that God gives help us become givers as well. That’s the big difference. His gifts enable us to turn around and bless others. His gifts keep on giving His blessings as long as we keep on using them. We can re-gift them – in fact God wants us to do so! They never wear out and they never break.
This Christmas, if you are able, give a gift which will warm a heart, but don’t forget the gifts we have received from our heavenly Father. A hint as to what your main gift is would be that it gives you the most joy when you use it to help others. It really is ‘more blessed to give than to receive’. But that will not make sense to you if you have never received God’s perfect gift, Jesus Christ, as your own Savior and Lord. If you have not done so, thenChristmas is the best opportunity you will ever have.”
Bro. Dennis