By, Lysandra Osterkamp
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down
from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
James 1:17
“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children,
how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”
Matthew 7:11
It’s Christmas time! That means we get to give gifts! I don’t know about you, but I love giving Christmas gifts. I especially enjoy giving good gifts. You know, the gift that you can tell is the exact item that person was hoping for?
I love Christmas shopping for my kids. I enjoy thinking about each of my children and the item that they will enjoy more than anything else. Then going out to the stores and hunting for that perfect gift. As I drive home from the store with their gift in my shopping bag, my mind begins to drift; I imagine Christmas morning.
A whole dream scenario runs through my mind…I see my child running down the stairs on Christmas morning straight for the Christmas tree. I envision them finding the box with their name on it, tearing open the wrapping paper, fumbling around with the taped-up box, and eventually revealing the gift inside. I imagine them gasping in excitement as they see the gift that they wanted so badly in their very own hands! My heart is full of joy. When my children are happy, I’m happy.
I love to give my kids good things! This makes me think of my Heavenly Father. I recount all of the way he gifts me with so many amazing things all the time. He is a good, good Father giving wonderful gifts.
In Matthew 7:11, we see how He gives good more abundantly than we could ever give! “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?” I believe God finds much more joy in giving His children good gifts than even we find in giving our children good gifts. He is so far above us.
I am a human mother; I am a sinner. I am often full of pride and selfishness and yet, I find great joy in giving my children gifts. My Heavenly Father is perfect in every way. There is no sin or wickedness in Him. How much more joy He must feel when he gives us, His children, good gifts!
Consider this for a moment. The creator of the universe; the God of everything, delights in giving us good gifts! Wow! That is such an incredible thought. It humbles me. It stirs up much gratitude within me.
What about you? Are you aware of God’s great love for you? Do you realize that your Creator finds joy in giving you good things? Have you overlooked the gifts He’s given you? Stop today and recognize the good gifts He’s given you. Thank Him for His love and generosity towards you.