THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
"If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
Matthew 7:11 (NIV)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Christmas? Maybe it's time with family, favorite music, delicious food or trimming the tree with treasured ornaments. Gift-giving also comes to mind. It can be fun and stressful at the same time. I love finding or making special gifts for friends and family and seeing their excitement when they open them. Receiving gifts is fun, too! But holiday giving can bring worries: What if they don't like my gift? What if theirs costs more? What if I forget someone or don't mail the Christmas cards in time? Oh my! What season is it again? Oh yeah—CHRISTmas!
The most important thing to remember is that JESUS is THE GIFT of Christmas. He is the reason for the season, God's gift to humanity, and the Giver of all good things. And He keeps giving good gifts to His children—better than anything we could give or receive.
That's what I want to cherish this Christmas and all year long. Jesus is in first place and the center of it all. The trees, lights, food and music are wonderful, but grace is what it's really about. God's grace keeps coming. It meets us in every shortfall, stumbling and stressful moment. And His gift of salvation outshines them all.
What a Savior. What a Love. What a Gift!
APPLICATION: It's getting closer to Christmas with each passing day. Take some time to open your hands and ask God to help you see the good gifts He has given you.
PRAYER: My generous, loving Father, thank You for Your gifts of salvation and grace. Help me to remember that You are the Gift of Christmas. 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?