Luke 2:10 - 15
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Many retailers take pride in using the selling phrase of 'the gift that keeps on giving'; but the tangible trinkets they offer are of no comparison to the focus of this holiday season. As we emulate the act of love shown to us, we share thoughtful and sometimes costly gifts with those we love. Imagine how much more our Heavenly Father loves us to share the greatest gift with us, His Son Jesus.
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is truly the gift 'that keeps on giving'.
As we reflect God's love this season and every other day, we should ask ourselves if we are extending the joy, peace, and love that was bestowed through this act of giving. If we give natural gifts, but leave the spiritual gifts behind... we are only partially hitting the target. As we exchange presents and time with others this season, remember to practice giving spiritual gifts and fruit to all of those you come in contact with. Matthew 7 states that 'You shall know them by their fruits...'. How are you known? Are you known for bearing gifts of bickering, strife, and deceit? When we accepted the gift of Salvation, our names were changed. We are no longer bound to our old ways and reputations, but it is our duty to now walk in the gift of the fruits of the spirit.
How do you know that an apple tree is truly what it claims to be? It bears apples! We know it by its fruit. An apple is an apple, even if it is called a pear. There is no denying its identity. It is no longer able to be confused with the unrefined rootstock it used to be, it has grown to be the full blown apple tree it was ordained to be. And we know this by its fruit.
How are you known? What gifts and fruit does your presence bring? Do you extend the love of the Father daily? Is your fruit the same in public as well as behind closed doors? If we are emulating the love of God we must learn to place His will above our own and share gifts that glorify His name.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Before you give presents this year, double-check to make sure that your presence gives others a glimpse of our Father's love.
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