Christmas is coming. For some, knowing this leads to excitement, for it is their favorite time of year because of the fond memories connected to Christmas. For others, when thinking of Christmas approaching, it brings up painful memories such as the passing of a loved one. Maybe, for you there is no excitement or sadness, instead, it is stress because more and more Christmas and spending a lot of money go hand and hand. Whatever emotions we feel when the thought of Christmas being weeks away, as Christ followers, Christmas is an opportunity to reflect on the Ultimate Gift in Jesus and to follow the example of the Ultimate Giver in God the Father.
One could argue the verse, which illustrates how God the Father gave is found in the Book of John. John writes, “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” (John 3:16). The Greek word for “gave” is “didōmi,” which means in this verse, “to give one to some one to care for his interests.” God the Father gave one (Jesus) to some one (the world) for his interests (so the people in this world shall not perish but have eternal life). If you are a believer, every day since the moment the Lord called you to follow Him, you have experienced the blessing of God the Father’s giving.
In a season where a tagline for it is it is the “season of giving,” the question is how can we as Christ followers not only experience the Ultimate Giver’s giving to us but also follow His example as Christmas approaches? There are three characteristics God the Father reveals to us about giving in John 3:16.
- God the Father was thoughtful.
Before going out and buying gifts for the people in your life this Christmas, seek the Lord in prayer for each person in your life about what is a thoughtful gift you can give to them.
2. God the Father was intentional.
For some, this is a season of sadness. Consequently, this is a wonderful time for Christ followers to be intentional with our time this season. Take a moment to reflect on whether there is an opportunity the Lord is giving you to give of your time by spending time with loved ones who are walking through grief. Ask the Lord to open your eyes to volunteering opportunities in your community to be a light for Him. Moreover, ask Him how He wants to use your gifts in this Christmas season for His glory.
3. God the Father had a purpose.
God the Father wanted us to have eternal life with Him because He loves us, so He gave Jesus. Therefore, because we belong to Him, giving gifts or your time should never flow from because it is what people do for Christmas. Instead, it should be rooted in loving others the way God the Father loves us. Ask the Lord how you can show your love to those in your life this Christmas season.
Reader, this Christmas season does not have to be one filled with stress, but instead it can be one filled with the Lord’s peace—if we choose. In addition to fond memories being a reason to be excited about Christmas coming, it is more importantly a time for Christ followers to express gratitude to God the Father for being the Ultimate Giver and giving us the Ultimate Gift in Jesus.
All Bible verses are from Holy Bible: New International Version