By Kathi Pelton
“…remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”” Acts 20:35
My favorite part of the Christmas holiday is giving gifts. I love to sit down and make a list of each person in our family— I look at each name personally and take a lot time to pray, ponder and reflect upon what brings them joy. I then begin to find or create gifts that let them know how deeply they are loved.
Some years this process is easier than other years. If our bank account has excess then I can easily buy the gifts that each one would love to receive— though I still thoughtfully consider each gift— it is a fairly quick and easy process. But then there are years that gift giving requires much deeper thought, creativity and even personal sacrifice— because the natural resources are slim. But those are the years that my family members receive gifts that have come not only with deep thought but also many hours and days of time to find a way to see the gifts come together. Though they may never know the process behind the gift— I know and was able to experience the great love and sacrifice was poured into each gift.
Our Heavenly Father has done the same thing for us. Though he never lacks resources— ever good and perfect gift from our Father is given with deep thought and love.
The gift of His Son was a gift requiring the greatest sacrifice mankind will ever receive. His Son was sent with the greatest love we will ever know or receive.
His gift of grace, compassion, forgiveness, wisdom, mercy and love continues throughout the ages to each of us. He is not quick or thoughtless about all that he give to us— but rather he is personal, intimate and so deeply caring in the way that he treats us and gives to us.
If we will take the time to look closely at the gifts given to us we will almost always find a personal note or his fingerprint upon them expressing his love and intimacy for us.
Jesus said it, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” His life revealed that and his love continues to reveal that in all that he does for us today.
Not one of us is exempt from his greatest gift— the eternal gift that is our salvation. That was the gift that was planned, prepared for and delivered from the beginning of time. And it is a gift that can still be received today.
May we be like Jesus and think about how we can be a gift giver to someone this holiday season. It doesn’t have to require money but it will need thoughtfulness, kindness, creativity and love. Or, maybe you have resources that will lift someone out of need today— what a kind gesture to lift the burden from someone’s shoulders. Whatever the case is, it is better to give than to receive so give of what you have and give out of love.
And don’t forget to thank God for his bountiful gifts that have been given to you. Be sure to look for his special love note specifically for you upon each one.
✨ We Wish You A Merry Christmas… From Our Home to Yours! ✨
Thank you to all who have supported this ministry throughout 2024
Oceans in the Desert 
Leave a comment