Generous Gifts

“God who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else?” Romans 8:32

We have finished buying our kids’ Christmas presents. Most of them have already arrived. They’ve been wrapped (by Erika) and placed under the tree. It required some restraint to not overbuy this year, and will necessitate ongoing discipline (on my part) to not buy more gifts. I love buying gifts, but the impulse is stronger in 2020. Having watched our kids miss out on so much this year, it’s tempting to give them more presents. To a small extent, we did. I won’t fault anyone who makes such a choice. We’ll look for ways to be generous to those beyond our own family this year, and I hope you will, too.

Reading this morning’s New Testament verse from the Daily Texts, I am struck by the overwhelmingly abundant grace of our God. Out of the purity of holy love, God gave the Son for the sake of the rest of God’s children. Everything we will ever truly need was bundled up in the little boy born in Bethlehem. Gifted to us as pure grace. Whatever is, or isn’t, under your tree in a few weeks, know that God has gifted you beyond measure.

Speaking of gifts, yesterday I finished the first semester of my DMin program at Candler School of Theology. It has been a time of enrichment, learning, and spiritual support beyond what I imagined. For that, dear people of Grace, I say thank you. The financial support from the church, the understanding of the time commitment, and the prayers and kind words from so many make it possible. Thank you.

Be well, friends. You are loved.

God, your goodness knows no bounds and your abundance overflows! Make us mindful of the gift you’ve given in Jesus Christ. Give us generous hearts to share with those in need of any kind. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Image: It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.