Well, it’s that time of year again. ‘Tis the season of anxiety and ambrosia. If gifts happen to be one of your love languages (Thanks a lot, Gary Chapman) then this is utopia. Yet the expectations of the holiday can weigh heavily on the shoulders of the less “gift-savvy.” And let’s talk about those dreaded gift exchanges that border on emotional abuse. Well, at least the Goodwill stores benefit from post-Christmas donations of impractical clutter.
Gift giving is quite literally an art form. It requires some creativity and inspiration to conduct the covert operation successfully. A good friend of mine recounted his attempt to “help” his coworker who was constantly tardy. This colleague was not amused when he opened a brand-new alarm clock in front of the boss. If you have ever played the White Elephant Game, then you know the uncertainty felt when unwrapping a new gift—or better yet, stealing a present from another player. Leaving with a good gift is hardly guaranteed.
Undoubtedly, we find ourselves mentally rehearsing rules of etiquette as our need for acceptance obscures the real meaning of Christmas. We may wear a smile—and we may also wear the ugly sweater that Aunt Matilda bought for us, but deep inside, something is missing. So often, we COLLECT rather than CONNECT! There is no greater pain than the fear of living life in vain, never being fully known by someone.
A new year is on the horizon and as surely as the sun rises, I can promise you that God’s gifts can be unwrapped with abandon because they will never miss the mark. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him alone; these gifts add depth and meaning rather than clutter to our lives. This past Sunday, I heard a profound sermon that identified the motives behind human gift giving. The good news is that a gift of grace has no strings attached.
No one enjoys putting in the effort only to have a thoughtful gift overlooked or rejected. Imagine the heart of God as we have rebuffed His most gracious offer. Consider the irony: His greatest treasure was laid in a lowly manger, without fanfare, and wrapped in swaddling clothes instead of the trappings of success. But make no mistake—it was purchased at a great price. Please unwrap it!
James 1: 17 (NIV)
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Comments