This Matter of Gifts

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For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. — Romans 6:23

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. — James 1:17

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. — Ephesians 2:8,9

If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him! — Matthew 7:11

For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. — John 3:16

This matter of “gifting” is complicated.

Before Christmas I have my list, which only seems to grow as I think of more and more people I want to “remember” with some kind of something. But then there is the matter of “how much do I spend on each gift?” You want your gifts to be meaningful—but what if what you really want to buy is more than you can afford? And what if you just don’t know what to give—is a gift card a good option or a cop-out?

“Gifting” is just as complicated on the receiving end. Have you ever opened a present and it was totally the wrong size. . . .or the wrong everything? You have the thought that you could “re-gift” it but fear that will somehow get back to your friend or family.

During deployment gifting becomes even more complicated. I mean, there’s the whole timing thing and distance thing and money thing and . . . . you know.

And when it’s all over there’s the whole “thank you note” thing! Do you have a relative who always has a comment to make about your thank you note—like it was a day too late, or was too short on words, or just didn’t convey a proper sense of gratitude for what they had worked so hard on getting for you?

More than likely we have all lived all of this. . . .and more!

Gratefully I enter every Christmas season undaunted. . . . ever-hoping to find that “perfect” gift at the right price to be graciously received with a sincere smile. And I am ever-prepared to reward my artful gift-ers, who have also rejected cynicism and commercialism, with my most heartfelt gratitude for their successful effort to please me. Well, it’s possible, right?!

So as I am nearing the close of the 2014 Christmas-shopping season and anticipate finishing up with the appropriate thank you notes soon after. . . . I need to remind myself that there is only one perfect Gift-Giver, and only one perfect Gift.

God knew we needed redemption. . . .and He gave us a Redeemer.

God knew we needed salvation and eternal life. . . .and He gave us a Savior.

God knew we needed forgiveness . . . .and He gave us Grace.

God knew we needed sanctification. . . . and He gave us His Righteousness.

God knew we needed wisdom . . . . and He gave us an All-Wise Counselor.

God knew we needed patience . . . . and He gave us a Longsuffering Servant.

God knew we needed hope and truth . . . . and He gave us His Word.

God knew we needed joy . . . . and He gave us His Freedom and His Strength.

God knew we needed peace . . . . and He gave us His Presence and Sovereignty.

God knew we needed justice. . . . and He gave us Mercy.

God knew we needed love . . . . and He gave us His Son, Jesus Christ.

God’s indescribable and perfect gift, Jesus Christ, paid the price which we could not pay for the gift of salvation which we did not deserve—To God be the glory!

Questions to Share:

1. What was the most favorite gift you ever received at Christmas?
2. What was the most favorite gift you ever gave at Christmas?
3. Have you received the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ? If not, go to How to Knowing God Personally. It is THE perfect gift!