A friend of mine was here briefly and we lavished her with gifts. This is one of the same friends with whom I agreed not to buy intentionally for Christmas anymore to help alleviate some of the pressure and expense of gifting. As I age, my philosophy is more and more becoming: Lavish someone on their birthday; after all, their birthday is their special day, Christmas is Jesus Christ’s day (unless that’s your birthday, too. In that case, I’m sorry 🙂 ).
This year, it just so happened that we came across some items that we thought my friend would really appreciate, even more so since she lost her home and all of her belongings this past late summer. She did appreciate the gifts. In fact, she is really fun to give gifts to. I don’t know if I’ve ever gotten a reaction other than sheer joy at whatever is placed in her hand. And when she said she had gifts for us, Laura clapped. My friend seemed taken aback at first but then we all laughed.
Laura and Beth are especially good when it comes to retaining likes, tastes, needs, and wants and matching people with items. It’s like they have bionic memory and perception. We snatched up discards recently and as the girls sorted through, they were able to meet one person’s need and another person’s desire. I mention Laura specifically because gifts are her main love language. It’s one of God’s love languages, too.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
God gave.
I have a print on my wall that I put near the Christmas tree. It says: The magic of Christmas is not in the presents, but in His presence.
Think about that. As wonderful as giving and receiving are there is no greater gift than God. Do you know what heaven is? It is the presence of God. It is the presence of hope, joy, peace, and love. I pray that this season is heavenly for you.
Lest you think I’m turning into a Scrooge where gift giving and Christmas is concerned, I have bought a few gifts this year that I am truly excited to give. From the looks on the girls’ faces, I’m receiving a few gifts that I’m going to be really excited to get. But without God, none of it matters. He is everlasting. Our material gifts are not. And as much as we may like what we receive, it will fade away, God will not. Yes, I’m excited for Christmas Day. But I’m more excited to sit in His presence and fellowship with Him. I hope you’ll be able to carve out some time today to join me in marveling at the Ultimate Gift Giver, God; the Ultimate Gift, Jesus; and the Ultimate Presence, Holy Spirit.
May you have a very, Merry Christmas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aGLV5CfoTU
God's Word Girl 