Christmas…the season for giving, . . . and receiving. About this time of year, we start asking one of two questions, “What am I going to get for Christmas?” or “What am I going to give for Christmas?” These are two connected, but opposite perspectives on the gifts of Christmas.
Department stores and retailers want us to focus on what we’re going to buy and give for Christmas, but their motive is purely selfish. I’m sure it won’t be long before they capture the other side of the equation and give little Bobby a scanner to run through Wal-Mart and register for all the things he wants to get for Christmas.
A child’s perspective of excitement and expectation of what they are going to receive for Christmas is normal. But if we continue to live with an attitude of only ‘receiving’ or ‘getting’ we can miss out on the enormous blessing of giving. Most parents (those who are mature) are more excited about giving. We want to see the looks of excitement and joy on our children’s faces when they unwrap the gifts that we’ve given to them. Our joy comes from giving.
But, let’s be honest. We all like to receive gifts. Every year there are a variety of types of gifts:
· Gifts we don’t want
· Gifts we need
· Extravagant gifts
· Gifts given out of obligation
· Gifts given out of love
On that first Christmas, because God loved us, He gave His only Son. We who believe in Him have received that indescribable Gift! Scripture also reveals other gifts, among them, the gift of eternal life, the Gift of the Holy Spirit, and nine spiritual gifts.
God has numerous gifts that He wants us to receive, but out of those blessings, He also wants us to ‘pass it on’. The more we become like Him, our focus will shift from receiving to giving to bless others. Jesus told the disciples, “Freely you have received, freely give.”
Be part of the blessing of giving and receiving this Christmas. Share the gift of life, peace and joy with those you love. Freely you have received, freely give.
Enjoying the journey,
David
