I was thinking this morning about the giving of gifts at Christmas time, and so I typed into Google search the question, "Why give gifts at Christmas?". One site on the Web concluded their answer to the question in this way.
"Today, we all give gifts at Christmas for our own reasons. For some, it is a way to celebrate the Christian holy day. For others, it is a special time to let family and friends know that you care by giving gifts. At times, giving gifts at Christmas becomes almost mechanical, and a chore; when this happens, it is worth stepping aside for a few moments to consider why exactly you give gifts at Christmas."
I read the last statement in the quote and I consider why I do that at all. In our family, Mayre is the one who gets the ideas and does the shopping for gifts for the kids and grand kids. My only job is furnishing money to do this and maybe coming up with an idea or two that would be appropriate. On rare occasions I have a great idea and really get involved in the whole process.
When I do get involved, either in the selection for a special gift, or in one for a special person, a lot of my joy comes from the anticipation of how that gift will be received. What will the person feel, how will they like it and how will they use it? I can see how a particular item can impact their life for the better and look forward to seeing them realize that potential benefit.
Now the special gift of God at Christmas is the gift of Himself, in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ. It is hard to say that God has joy in the anticipation of how His gift will be received, He knows, but there is joy nonetheless when that Gift is received with great thanksgiving.
When I give a gift at Christmas, I can look forward to how it will be received and imagine the delight of the recipient. I will also be hoping that I am right. Would I be disappointed if that gift was put in the trash or in the back of the closet, never to see the light of day? Sure!
Acceptance of the gift given, and use of the same, brings joy to the giver.
How does God feel?
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