Giving

James 1:17a, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights...."

My friend Mary is a gifted giver. She doesn't just give generously--she gives lavishly. Whereas others might give one or two gifts, Mary has a sack full of carefully chosen treasures for each of her recipients.

Mary's spirit of generosity reflects the way God gives to us. He doesn't just give generously--He gives lavishly. I John 3:1a says, "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us...." God's gifts are carefully chosen to fit our greatest needs. Think of the way He created the world. He knew we would need light, warmth, air, dry land on which to stand, vegetation and animals, and He created all these things before He made us. He gives us the day time to work and the night time to rest. He gives us the seasons, each with its special pleasures. He gives us family and friends with which to share our happiness and our sorrows. But the Greatest Giver gave us the Greatest Gift when He gave us Jesus. With Jesus, God gives us eternal life. Col. 2:9-10a Living Bible says, "For in Christ there is all of God in a human body; so you have everything when you have Christ, and you are filled with God through your union with Christ." This is the Gift we celebrate every Christmas Day--and everyday of each year.

Thank You, Father, that the real celebration of Christmas is not over when the tree comes down and the decorations are put away. May I celebrate the Gift of Your Son everyday of my life. Amen.