Giving gifts at Christmas is one of my favorite things. Giving helps me keep things in perspective with the overload of seasonal activities, numerous tasks, and to-do lists. It’s a whirlwind of sugar, glitter, and sparkly stuff as I decorate my home, bake sweets, host gatherings, write cards, shop ’til I drop, and then wrap gifts. Even during the night, my mind works on completing last-minute projects or remembering people I want to recognize at Christmas. I can be so consumed with preparation that I miss Christ. What happened to a peaceful silent night and deep sleep in heavenly peace?
God gave us His son, Jesus, to us as the most wonderful gift of love we could receive. John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, Jesus, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” So God gave His son, Jesus, to the world as a gift. We celebrate Christmas with traditions, including gift-giving. Luke 10:27 helps us understand how we can show our love to Jesus this Christmas. “Love the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,” and “love your neighbor as yourself.”
This year, I plan to add Jesus to my gift list. That’s something to think about, isn’t it? What do you think King Jesus would want from you this Christmas? The poem “What can I give Him?” by Christina Rosetti sums it up:
“What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would give Him a lamb.
If I were a wise man, I would do my part-
Yet, what can I give Him, give Him my heart.”
What would you give your King this year? If you know Jesus as your savior, you have already given Him your heart. But would you be challenged, to esteem your Lord with a gift He’s asking you to give? Maybe a renewed commitment? Is He asking you to pledge anew your habits to Him? What is Jesus asking you to give Him as a sacrificial gift this Christmas? Is He asking you to surrender your hurt to Him? When He directs you to submit to Him in this way, it is to make room for more of God’s presence. The Latin term “Capax Dei” is an increased capacity for God, something we can develop by allowing space in our lives. Psalm 18:19 reminds us, “He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.”
Letting go of our fears and hurt might be the best gift you and I can give Jesus this year. He loves us so much and wants us show our love to Him by making room for more of Him in our lives. Can you trust God to heal your areas of doubt, disappointment, discouragement, and even ways you’ve been wronged? When you let go of your fears and trust God with His will, He does beyond what you can ask or imagine. Show your love to Jesus by giving Him your best gift. Hold nothing back. Give Him your all.
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—all the more—as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:23–25
Let’s pray: Father, we submit to you and renew our commitment to you. Thank you for sending your Son to us as a gift for us to receive. We surrender our all to you as our gift to you this Christmas. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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