I’ve already started to ask the question so many of
us ask our family and friends in the month of December. What would you like for
Christmas?
Back in 1946 – Before my birth I might add - Don
Gardner wrote a humorous Christmas song titled: “All I want for Christmas is my
two front teeth.” It’s about a little girl who wanted to whistle a tune and
wish people a Merry Christmas but had great difficulty because she didn’t have
her two front teeth.
If you ask a child what they want for Christmas (with
or without teeth) you will definitely get a lengthy answer and even adults
don’t need long to think up a response. There is no shortage of ‘wants.’
Some of the things we desire are needed while others
are not. A child who doesn’t know where his or her next meal is coming from
wants something to eat but this is more than a mere desire – it is a need. A
little one who wants another toy race car to add to his or her overflowing
collection does not really need it – It’s a desire.
The Bible tells us that God gives gifts to all
mankind. He not only wants to meet needs but to fulfill desires of people as
well. I’m thankful for this truth because all my practical and physical needs
have been provided for by God’s grace and goodness.
When a person reaches a place where his or her needs
are met, the joy begins to shift from ‘receiving’ to ‘giving’. People begin to
learn the truth of what the Apostle Paul said in Acts 20:35. “In
everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the
weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to
give than to receive.’ ”
A new dimension of joy comes when you “GIVE.” Don’t
get me wrong, I like to receive as much as anyone but giving opens up a bigger
door to fulfillment. Not just for you but others too. You can enrich the lives
of people this season if you give them gifts rooted in love not duty. Gifts
that are given without expectation and strings attached. Gifts that meet needs
as well as desires.
The most memorable and precious gifts this season may
not necessarily be material in nature. Think about giving your family, friends
and even strangers the gift of compassion. It will be appreciated. Give people
the gift of patience and understanding. You will be amazed at the results.
Consider giving people some space? Stop trying to
micro manage their lives. They will receive this gift of kindness with open
arms. Giving people forgiveness is always a welcomed gift.
Many gifts are within your power to give! If you
choose to accept the words of the Apostle Paul and act upon – this season will
be better than usual.
The Bible tells us that three wise men brought gifts
of gold, frankincense and myrrh to celebrate the birth of Jesus. They
were honoring God who gave to us the greatest gift of all, A Savior!
God’s gift came to us wrapped snugly in strips of cloth and lying in a manger
because there was not room for them in the inn.
May every gift you give this season, be in honor of
Jesus. After all, it is HIS BIRTHDAY we are celebrating. ‘Tis the
Season!
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