Good Gifts Mean Great Things

When I give a gift to my kids, I want them to know that I see them & care about them. That I know what they want and what they need. That I love to surprise them and delight them, just because they are mine and I love them. I think most parents out there can relate to this.

Christmastime brings our gift-giving into the spotlight, and many of these gifts are made of “stuff” -- toys, books, and clothes and all the gizmos and gadgets that make this time of year feel magical and plentiful. Those are good things, and we enjoy them...and yet, there is so much more.

Christmastime also reminds us of God, the ultimate Gift-giver. Yes, He provides gifts for some of the “stuff” of our lives, but He also meets our deeper needs with His gifts of love and peace, forgiveness, and joy.

When I remember all that God has given me, I see two important truths:

• Gifts are a sign that we mean a lot to the gift-giver.
• Gifts were meant to stir up love in our hearts for the gift-giver, over and over again.

There is so much in life that I cannot control (no matter how hard I try). But one thing I can control is how I respond to the gifts from God in my life. As I think about the miracle of Jesus’ birth and life, death, and resurrection, I want to respond with awe & wonder. I want to respond with deep gratitude for God’s never-ending, never-failing love for me, for my family, and for the whole world.

God sees us and He cares about us. He knows what we want and what we need. He loves to surprise and delight us, just because we are His and He loves us. This Christmas, let’s take time to dwell on His goodness to us, and to share that same goodness with those around us!

Merry Christmas, Mom - you are a gift to your family & to the world!