Devotions this week based on the Message: “Believe the NEED for Christmas!”
Are you good at giving gifts?
Some of you are really good at buying individual gifts for people. You take time to understand the likes a person has, the things they notice and keep track of the things they like. Your Christmas shopping list takes you all over town in search of the perfect gift for each person on your list.
Some just get the same thing for everyone. One trip to one store and done. Each person gets the same thing regardless of what they like, what their interests are or what things they need.
Would it be possible to combine these two?
I suppose you would be a rich person if you could develop a gift that is the same for everyone yet customizes itself to the recipient to provide exactly what he or she needs and/or wants.
The irony in this is that there is such a gift.
It is one that everyone needs, but is unique to everyone.
It is a “one size fits all,” yet it gives to each person according to their needs.
What is that gift?
Jesus.
We all need Christmas because we all need Jesus.
So God gave his Son to the world…the same for everyone:
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
What he gave for everyone, he gives to you personally:
Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
And what he gives you personally, is exactly what YOU need:
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
God doesn’t get rich off of selling this gift. He gives it a way freely each Christmas (and every day for that matter). It’s the same for everyone, because everyone needs Jesus. It’s unique for everyone, because Jesus comes individually to forgive YOUR sins, to give YOU joy, to shepherd YOU in the path he desires for YOU, to wipe away YOUR tears and to give YOU comfort in all YOUR trials…and much more.
Gift giving can be challenging – at least it is for me. Yet, it is also rewarding when the person receiving your gift exclaims, “Wow, that’s amazing! How did you know that’s exactly what I wanted?”
Good luck in your physical gift buying this year! However, the one gift I know is safe to give generously is the gift of Jesus. Everyone on your list needs Jesus, so let’s give Jesus to everyone on your list!
Apply: Maybe include a card or ornament or little gift with each present that tells the person receiving the gift that God gives them the gift of Jesus this year!
Prayer: Lord God, thank you for giving me both what I want and what I need in Jesus this Christmas. AMEN.