BENEVOLENT BLESSINGS
Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.
James 1:17 (NLT)
In the homestretch of the Christmas season, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of shopping, decorating and planning gatherings. Amidst this whirlwind, we must remember the true source of all good gifts: our Heavenly Father. James reminds us that every good and perfect gift comes from God, the Creator who remains constant and unchanging.
Christmas is the ultimate demonstration of God’s benevolence. The birth of Jesus is the greatest gift ever given to humanity—God’s love wrapped in swaddling clothes. This Child would grow to offer us grace, mercy and eternal life, all freely given despite our unworthiness. Imagine the blessings that overflow from the humble stable in Bethlehem. God chose to send His Son, not to the powerful or the elite, but to the ordinary, the meek and the lowly.
The beloved hymn What Child Is This? beautifully encapsulates this wonder. Its lyrics prompt us to ponder the identity of this child and the profound gift He represents: This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing. Each line draws our attention to the magnificence of Christ, inviting us to acknowledge the incredible blessing He is to our lives.
As we celebrate Christmas, let’s remember that every blessing we experience comes from God’s hand. Take time to appreciate the small wonders around you—a child’s laughter, the warmth of family gatherings, the beauty of a snowy landscape. Each moment is a gift, a reflection of God’s generosity.
APPLICATION: This week, make a list of blessings in your life. Include the simple joys, as well as the profound gifts that have shaped your faith journey. As you reflect, express gratitude in prayer, thanking God for these benevolent blessings. Additionally, consider sharing your list with someone who might need encouragement. By acknowledging the good in our lives, we can inspire others to see God’s hand at work, fostering a spirit of thankfulness this Christmas season.
PRAYER: God, thank You for every blessing in my life. I didn’t earn them or work hard enough to achieve them—You gave them to me in Your graciousness. Grow within me a sense of enduring gratitude. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?