Have you ever been disappointed with the gift that you received? Or have you experienced where you were anticipating a gift and it never came? Everybody else received a gift, but not you? Or have you ever given a wrong gift and the person was disappointed? I have given so many wrong gifts to many people, and it was funny, but it was a little bit embarrassing, especially the people that I respect, like, for instance, my boss at work. We probably all have bad experiences in giving and receiving or not receiving gifts at all at Christmas. Sadly, many people become depressed, angry, or feel unappreciated or not important at Christmas because of bad experiences in gift-giving. As believers, we already received the greatest gift of all. It is greater than any material possessions that we can ever receive. We received the God of the universe who could transform our lives and save us from our sins. We received the Living Water that the Samaritan woman received when Jesus met her at the well. She had been with many men, probably for satisfaction, security, and provision, but it only left her lonely, empty, and desperate. However, Jesus, whom we received (the greatest gift of all), transformed her life and used her to save people in her town. Many people believed in Jesus because of her simple message about how Jesus knew her.
The importance of a gift is not the material in itself but what it represents. We may not receive a gift at all this Christmas or not receive the gift that we have been anticipating or want. But we need to be thankful and grateful for Christmas because we have everything in Christ. We have to center our hearts on our Lord Jesus this Christmas and not on the material things of this world. We give gifts, visit our families and friends, and talk to our loved ones because we already received the greatest gift of all. Let us be content this Christmas. Do not let the material gifts spoil the spirit of Christmas into our hearts.
Enjoy the Christmas season. Be thankful and appreciative because our loving Father in Heaven already gave us the greatest gift of all. When we start being disappointed this Christmas, look up to our Lord Jesus and recentered or refocus our hearts on Him. Our value as a person is not according to the material gifts, but our value is knowing that God loves us. We are worth more than any material possessions in this world.
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you). Why is Jesus the greatest gift of all? Have I received the greatest gift of all? How do I receive the greatest gift of all?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, I thank you for giving me the greatest gift of all by believing in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Would you please help me to be content in you this Christmas? The material gifts do not define me as a person, but what defines me is who I am in you. I am loved, accepted, and cared by you. Thank you for loving me and always making me special, not only in the Christmas season. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.