Tonight is our third Christmas Eve. Tomorrow we will celebrate God’s gift of the Christ child by exchanging gifts with family in Illinois. I have no doubt that there will be much silliness and laughter. It’s a great ending to a wonderful Christmas holiday. 

Our gifts aren’t expensive, but they are nice and they were picked out with each individual in mind. For instance, we won’t be giving a gift intended to a young college-age man to our daughter-in-law who is the mother of two college-age daughters. And vice versa. 

Our gifts were selected for each individual. And, we hope that each person will use the gifts we have given to them. 

The best example of gift giving comes from God. And, we each have received gifts selected just for us by our Heavenly Father. 

For instance, I am reminded often of the gift of citizenship in this amazing country that I received at birth. I did not have to wait in line and compete for my citizenship as friends of mine have done. It was a gift to me; I did not earn it nor purchase it. I want to use the gift of citizenship well – staying informed, helping others, doing my part. 

I received the gift of being born into my middle class, hard working and loving family. My family is a gift to me; again, I neither earned it nor bought it. 

My body was a gift to me – prone to arthritis and all – a gift from my Heavenly Father. I have abused this gift at times with poor eating habits and lack of attention. But, it was a gift to me and I want to use it well, doing what God has for me to do. 

What gifts have you received?  Trust that God has given you unique talents and abilities that He selected just for you. And then use those gifts!  

I love the advice given in the book of Romans:

“Just as there are many parts to our bodies, so it is with Christ’s body. We are all parts of it, and it takes every one of us to make it complete, for we each have different work to do. So we belong to each other, and each needs all the others.

“God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, then prophesy whenever you can—as often as your faith is strong enough to receive a message from God.

“If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching.

“If you are a preacher, see to it that your sermons are strong and helpful. If God has given you money, be generous in helping others with it. If God has given you administrative ability and put you in charge of the work of others, take the responsibility seriously. Those who offer comfort to the sorrowing should do so with Christian cheer.

“Don’t just pretend that you love others: really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good.

“Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other.

“Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.

“Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and prayerful always.”  (Romans 12:4-12)

Great advice!!

Love,

Jill (just one of God’s kids)