Hello Everyone!
Well it’s that time of year again – lots of hustle and bustle to get the tree trimmed, the presents bought and wrapped, cookies made. Whew! But wait – it’s also the time when people are more aware of those who may not get a gift, who may not have any food, let alone Christmas cookies. What about those who can’t give anything back in return? What about those that think they do not deserve a gift – that they are not “good” enough? Have you ever given anything to someone who wasn’t expecting a gift and see the look of surprise and then joy on their faces?
That’s what it’s all about – to bless someone even if they are not expecting it or think they “deserve” it. Isn’t that what Jesus did? While people were still sinners, He blessed them by dying on the cross. Isn’t that what He still does? He gives, protects us, helps and provides for us – even though we may not deserve it. Like every good Daddy, he forgives us as soon as we ask – He welcomes us back in His arms when we stray far away from Him.
That’s what love is about. Giving when you haven’t received and when you don’t expect anything in return. That’s when giving blesses the giver more than the receiver because that’s when we are more like Jesus. Giving can turn a cold heart into a warm one. Giving changes the stony heart into a soft one. Givers have learned the secret of joy, for true joy is giving to others. Isn’t that what Jesus did long ago – and still does today?
I seem to remember a commercial from a long time ago that said – the gift that keeps on giving. Well it may be true for that product, but the real, beautiful gift that surpasses all others is the gift of life that Jesus gave to everyone who will receive it. He gave the gift because of love for us.
A gift we give out of duty may be okay, but a gift we give out of love is the best gift of all. My husband Bill once wrote in a card to me how he loved to see my eyes sparkle as I watched our children and then grandchildren open their gifts. It’s because of love. Jesus’ eyes must sparkle as we also receive His gift of love – just for us.
Giving a gift can be a sacrifice. How much more so did Jesus sacrifice to give His gift to us. As we give gifts this Christmas, let’s just not give because of the date – let’s give out of love. It’s the secret of joy.
Lo the angels came to say
Christ was born on earth this day
He didn’t come as a King
But came to suffer for our sin
He came to teach us love, His grace
So we can look upon His face
Eternal life we would receive
If only we would believe
The magic of Christmas is Christ. May His love and grace fill you always. Merry Christmas!
Blessings, Evelyn
This is a very special blog that spoke to my heart for several reasons. It was a gift to me. Thank you for blessing us at this Christmas season. I also love to hear of the love between you and Bill. Very precious indeed.
Dear Linda,
What you wrote about this blog speaking to your heart meant a lot to me. I am so glad it blessed you. Jesus’ love – and we showing His love to others – is what Christmas is all about.
Blessings, Evelyn
Evelyn, I love what you wrote about joy and giving and especially that the best gifts are those that we give like Jesus gave, without expecting anything in return.
God bless you, and Merry Christmas!
Maude
Thank you Maude for your kind words. Christmas is all about what Jesus did out of love for us. Christmas is all in the heart.
Blessings, Evelyn
Hi Ev,
Though we are 6 days into the New Year and I’m just now able to read your Christmas Blog…it is so not late for me…because His timing is indeed always so perfect!
Last week I took my neighbor to Morristown to have cataract surgery on her left eye. Next week we go again to have the right eye done. Meanwhile, I just learned that also next week my son Canaan has a visit w/ his cardiologist in NY city and he would like Mom to come with him. Not feeling very well lately,
my first thought was…I certainly cannot do both and do my part time job, I’m just not up to it! This morning I thought and prayed…Lord, Canaan is my son,
certainly he gets priority…. ?? I’ll bet there’s a way around it, maybe you’ll see to it that (my neighbor can arrange for someone else to take her. Right away,
I realized that this was MY plan, and that it may not be His, so I totally surrendered my circumstance to Him. Sure enough, it didn’t take him long to start
speaking to my heart. Then I read your blog, and yes, that was the icing that sealed the deal! Sacrificial giving is never easy. Our father in heaven gave his son
sufficient grace for his sacrifice, surely He will give me sufficient grace for next week. Already I can feel “the secret of” joy just knowing that I wont have to disappoint my neighbor! Thank you so much Ev, for your loving sacrifice of time in your writing!
Dear Kath,
Thanks so much for commenting and your encouragement. I am so glad it helped you. The Lord’s timing is perfect.
Blessings, Evelyn