The Gift That Keeps On Giving

“For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.” John 17:8 (ESV)

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is now upon us. The pandemic, which has already taken so much from us, has assumed the role of the Grinch. Keeping our contact groups small means that we have to be apart from many of our loved ones. Gift giving will be done from opposite sides of a storm door.

I am grateful, however, that quarantine has provided lots of time to re-evaluate our priorities and re-identify what is truly important in life. While so many are sick or dying, I’m thankful that I have my health. As millions are kept from those dearest to them, I’m thankful that I can still have contact with my loved ones. Hundreds of thousands of people have lost their jobs, businesses, homes, yet I am thankful that my job has been spared. The stories I hear every day cause me to think twice before complaining of the minor inconveniences caused by Covid-19.

It has all helped me realize that the most important, most extravagant, the endless bounty, the gift-that-keeps-on-giving truth is Jesus. I know what you’re thinking: “Well, of course, Jesus is the most important and number-one priority!” And I know it is pretty obvious that I would draw that conclusion on a Christian blog. But, while we may often say the words, how true-to-life are they? Do we really live our lives as though Jesus is the most important?

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 says, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures….”—italics mine. God gave His words to His Son. His Son, THE Word, passed His words to His disciples. And ultimately, the Word came to me and you.

The Gospel is more than a legacy!

The Gospel is not just something we profess to believe and, maybe, allow to impact the way we live our lives. There was a time when the Gospel turned the world upside down! And I believe with all of my heart, that it’s time that it turns our worlds upside down.

Think about the gifts you have made, purchased, or asked for. Is there anything that anyone needs more than a Savior?

There is nothing wrong with the giving and receiving of gifts. There is nothing wrong with expressing our love to those around us with generosity. In fact, those things demonstrate to others that we value them!

I wish you all the merriest of Christmases this year. I pray for your health and your ability to keep yourselves clothed, housed and fed. I pray that you won’t allow the troubles of this world to dampen your spirits, as we remember the birth of Jesus.

As always, these are the musings of a mindful disciple. Blessings on your week!

Photo by Lucie Liz from Pexels