Every gift God freely gives us is good and perfect, streaming down from the Father of lights, who shines from the heavens with no hidden shadow or darkness and is never subject to change. God was delighted to give us birth by the truth of his infallible Word so that we would fulfill his chosen destiny for us and become the favorite ones out of all his creation!
Christmas is coming! Well, that’s what all the stores would want you to believe. Shelves are already filling up with the latest holiday décor. Although I would like to see the trees turn beautiful shades of orange, yellow, and red before I think about Christmas, we all know before long, the rush to start buying gifts will be upon us. How does that season look for you? Do you feel panicked, frustrated, or even angry at other people as you begin to buy gifts for everyone, fighting your way to a turkey before they are gone. Or are you someone who enjoys the season and all that comes with it, relishing every day leading up to Christmas?
My guess is most of us rush through the season. Then when the day arrives and gifts are opened, we are left feeling exhausted and even sad that it took longer to prepare than to enjoy. Not quite how the Hallmark movies portray it, huh?
What if we were to shift our thinking this year? What if we thought about how God feels when he gifts us? Yes, He is gifting us – all the time. Waking to that first beautiful, spring morning or first winter snowfall of the season. Seeing the majesty of a bald eagle for the first time. Watching your child or grandchild take their first step. Seeing your prodigal return home.
He has carefully and methodically picked that moment or that blessing just for you at just the right time. He is not hurried or pressured but rather filled with joy, waiting for us to stop and notice the gift. Imagine His joy when He sees us acknowledge what He has given us.
So, as we head into this season of gift giving (after we enjoy autumn), let’s imagine how God is selecting the gifts He gives to us. Let the world rush on around you, stand out, different than the rest. Let others see Him through you and bless everyone around you with the gift of a moment, perhaps needed at just the right time.
