Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! – 2 Corinthians 9:15 (NIV)
Television commercials at Christmastime show communities dressed up and sharing Christmas cheer. There are houses and trees decorated beautifully with lights, bells, and lots of ornaments. Extravagant parties are held as families, friends and neighbours cheerfully share gifts as they celebrate this festive season.
God’s people also celebrate with exchanging of gifts, parties, and concerts. However, as children of God, we need to be cognisant of who and why we celebrate. We should not be distracted by the lights, glitter, and events. We should remain focused with our eyes fixed on our Lord, Jesus Christ, our best gift. One preacher said it this way, “If our expectations for Christmas are gifts and time with family, we set our expectations too low. Those are enjoyable and things we are grateful for, but Christmas is the celebration of the coming of Christ and His redemption.”
Yes, Jesus is the reason for the season! God’s people are not in a competition to see who can give the most, but we are called to be, “…ready to give, willing to share.” (1 Timothy 6:18 NKJV). So, share Jesus with everyone, at any time and in all seasons.
At Christmastime, as we share gifts with others, we remember the generosity of God towards us. He gave us His only Son. Ray Stedman said, “Jesus set aside His riches and entered into His creation in a state of poverty in order to enrich all by His grace.” The apostle Paul instructed the church at Corinth, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7 NKJV). No gift-giving could ever compete with the Lord’s extravagance.
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for the indescribable gift of Your Son, Jesus, my Saviour. Help me to be a worthy disciple; ever grateful for His love. No gift can be compared to or is greater than Jesus, my Lord. I offer my life to You so that I might live according to Your Word and Your plans for my life, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: Proverbs 25:14; 1 Corinthians 15:45
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 29:10-18; 1 John 2:28-29; 1 John 3:1-10; Daniel 8:15-27; Daniel 9:1-19
