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Thursday, 01 December 2011 21:57 |
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I love Christmas. Despite all the commercialism and hype, consumerism and self-indulgence, I love the idea of generosity, a celebration of giving. Behind all that Christmas has become is the reminder that we worship a generous, giving God. I remember as a child my mother would often say to me that, "it is better to give than to receive" or words to that effect.
At the time I didn't really get it; to be honest I just loved receiving and couldn't wait to open all the presents under the tree! However as I grew up I began to understand what she meant: seeing the sparkle in my children's eyes as they opened a gift from Becky and me, invariably followed by a big hug and a thank you. I just love giving gifts to my children and now grandchildren. Luke 11 tells me that if we who are evil give good gifts to our children, how much more our heavenly father will give good gifts to his children. God has provided for all that we need out of his amazing and glorious riches. He has provided good gifts for each of us, yet how reluctant we often are to receive them and when we do, how often we forget to thank him. What is more, God actually encourages to ask for his gifts! What are the gifts that God has for you? What have you asked for? This Christmas let us remember that we have a heavenly Father who loves us and delights in us. We have a Father who longs for us to receive his gifts and just like little children, let's make sure that our praise and thanks are just as exuberant and genuine.
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