Receive a Gift 

Once the Advent countdown starts, I begin to consider in earnest my Christmas preparations - particularly my gift shopping!
 
Receiving a gift can fill us with feelings of pleasure, delight, reassurance, and perhaps even a sense of worth. Even the smallest thing can give us these feelings. Did you open a little window on an Advent calendar this morning? If so, I hope that you were greeted by a cheerful picture or even a chocolate that lifted your spirits!

We are also grateful for the thought and effort that whoever gave us the gift may have put into doing so. This may show itself in different ways. They may have saved up to buy us a special present, carefully chosen – perhaps a knitted jumper? Or they might instead have taken the time to knit a hand-made jumper for us? Every gift can be received and can be appreciated in its own way.

As a Christian I know that it’s not all about the presents under the tree! We remember that we are celebrating that Jesus is God's gift to the world and to each one of us. How great a gift is that! How good it makes us feel to receive such a gift! How great was the cost to God in what he gave in order to save and redeem us?
 
God loves us - and what we do, what we think, and what we say matters to him. This translation of Ephesian 4:30 in the Message Bible really brought this home to me.

“Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted.”

Let’s thank God afresh today for his living presence in us. Let’s rejoice in receiving his gift, and treasure it for what it is and what it means.

Let’s pray
Heavenly Father, thank you that you sent your son Jesus to save us and that you dwell in us. Help us to always be thankful for this amazing gift. Amen.