Monday, December 23, 2024
Christmas is just two short days away, and most people are thinking about giving and receiving gifts. What would you like to receive? Maybe a new black Jeep Renegade, a winning Powerball ticket, a dream vacation, or a weekend get-away while someone watches your kids?
Sometimes what we desire may seem good, but not if it leads to pride, greed, or the neglect of our spiritual lives. Thankfully, God always gives us what we need. The Bible is full of examples of his good gifts, starting from the very beginning when he created the lights and stars in the sky to shine down on earth (Genesis 1:14-17).
James 1:17
Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.
God not only created light, he is the personification of all that is light. James, Jesus’ brother, wrote this verse in Jerusalem, around 49 AD. It was written to help the Jewish Christians live their daily lives faithfully, trusting that God would provide for all their needs. It’s a reminder that God, the Father of Lights, is always good, and his goodness never changes, no matter what happens in our lives.
God's gifts continued with his greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate on Christmas. God sent his one and only son to demonstrate his love for us—to show us that he loves us the way he loves Jesus (John 17:23). Rather than losing us forever, Jesus, the sacrificial lamb, was given in exchange for our salvation. His death on the cross was an atonement for our sins, reconciling us to God and paving the way for us to live in eternity with him (John 3:16-17).
One of the last mentions of gift giving in the Bible is in Revelation 22:12, when Jesus says he will be coming soon and bringing rewards for all people according to their actions. This verse promises that Jesus will reward his faithful followers when he returns.
Maybe you won’t get what you want under the tree this Christmas, but of this you can be certain—God is the greatest gift giver from Genesis to Revelation.
Are you ready to receive his good gifts?
Questions:
Are you holding on to things that don’t come from Jesus?
What can you do to make this holiday season be about Jesus and the gift of his life instead of material gifts?
Next Steps:
Click the link to listen to Gifts from God by Chris Tomlin. Now, journal what gifts you have received and continue to receive from God. The next time you are feeling in a low mood, read what you have written. This song puts into perspective what good gifts really are.
Prayer:
Father of lights, open my eyes so I may be vigilant to spot your good gifts. Thank you for the gift of Jesus, our Lord and savior. Help me to look at the Christmas season with an attitude of gratitude. I love and serve you, Lord. It’s in your name that I pray, amen.
This post was written by Jenn Macke, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.