The Gift of Receiving
- Rachel Welch
- Dec 5, 2024
- 2 min read
“Jesus is the best gift we will ever receive, and He’s a gift that keeps on giving, with an abundance of grace and forgiveness to last a lifetime!”
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
It is so easy to get caught up in the rush of Christmas festivities. Advent, parties, church events, and all the regular traditions. We go on auto-pilot to get everything done, but then we reach the end of the season and wish we had been more present and in the moment.
So take a moment with me and let’s reflect on what Christmas is all about.
Christmas is a season of selflessness. It’s taking your gaze off yourself to see the world around you. To see the light and joy in other’s faces. To give and to receive. To laugh and spread gratitude. Cinnamon rolls in a box, tied with a bright red bow. Family coming together to hang lights and decorate gingerbread houses. Christmas cards. The neighbors stopping by to sing a Christmas carol at your door. These are all acts of giving and receiving... spreading cheer. These things wouldn’t be possible (or as sweet) if there wasn’t a person giving and a person receiving those things, especially with joy!
Jesus is a GIFT from our Heavenly Father. A precious, beautiful, wonderful, and absolutely undeserving gift. Jesus was born with the purpose of dying so we could be forgiven. The Jews waited for hundreds of years for the Messiah to come and deliver them from their bondage. SO many people lived, believed, and died without getting to see that prophesy come to pass. Jesus was the ultimate gift. He is the best gift we will ever receive, and He’s a gift that keeps on giving, with an abundance of grace and forgiveness to last a lifetime!
But, we do have to receive Him. A gift can’t be forced onto a person–it has to be taken.
When we receive a gift with gratitude and joy, it brings the gift giver joy. So every time you come to the feet of Jesus to repent and remember that His forgiveness is a gift. Receive it and worship Him for His goodness! Set an intention for this 2024 Christmas season to practice joy in giving AND receiving. Be mindful. Thank others for their kindness. Take a moment each day to be grateful and remember our ultimate gift–Jesus. Don’t just plow through December. Stop, breathe, and make sure Jesus is the center of your holiday.
Action Steps:
Spend a few minutes thanking God for the gift of His Son.
Listen to “Mary Did You Know” by Maverick City Music
Written by Rachel, mom of 3