ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

The Jones family Christmas celebrations bring back some of my fondest childhood memories. The Christmas concerts, the turkey, stuffing, greens and sweet potato pies, and spending time with family at my Grandma’s in Elizabeth City, NC. But one of my favorite Christmas pastimes was the development of our Christmas Wishlist. My sister, brother and I would be so excited, beginning the day after Thanksgiving. We’d spend hours combing through the toy catalogs, making our lists and checking them twice.  

Scripture

James 1:17 – Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

Lessons Learned

One Christmas, I recall my sister having that year’s hot ticket item on her list; she wanted a Cabbage Patch doll like every other little girl in America. My sister talked about that doll non-stop. “I wonder what her name will be (Cabbage Patch dolls came with a birth certificate)?” “I can’t wait to push her in the stroller and dress her in pretty dresses,” and on and on and on she went. Now our usual protocol was to have six or seven things on our list, hoping that we’d get at least two or three of the desired items. But this Christmas, my sister only had one thing on her list – a Cabbage Patch doll. 

By this time, I was old enough to take part in “Operation Find a Cabbage Patch Doll.” This process was more intricate than a military operation. It entailed at least a hundred inquiries to every Toys R’ Us within a 200-mile radius, followed by standing in long lines where shipments were due to come in; calls to family members across the United States; and lots and lots of prayers. 

And their persistence paid off.  My sister welcomed Carol Lottie into the Jones family on Christmas morning. I don’t know if I’d ever seen a smile so wide.  And she wasn’t the only one bubbling over with smiles, tears and unbridled happiness. My parents were just as excited, for my sisters’ joy gave them joy. Knowing that their sacrifice, efforts, and love were appreciated was all the thanks they needed. And the benefits of my sisters’ joy weren’t just limited to Christmas day. No, that gift bought my parents at least a month or so of good behavior on my sister’s behalf. 

 

Lessons Lived

I think the relationship between us and God, our provider, should be similar to that of my sister and my parents. See, my parents gave with no expectation of anything in return. They gave out of genuine, unconditional love and the very act of giving gave them joy. My sister freely received the gift given with unadulterated joy. Her “good behavior” and thanksgiving stemmed from her delight and elation over the gift, not from a sense of obligation. 

 God wants the same from us. He gives wonderful gifts to us, not because we deserve them or have earned them but because He delights in our joy. He gives to us because of His love for us. And in return, we should praise Him through our worship and thanksgiving. Additionally, the good we do should not be out of a sense of obligation or belief that we can earn our way into His good graces. Our good works should stem from our exultation and delight for Gods’ generous gifts of grace, mercy, forgiveness, and love. 

Do we deserve the blessings of God? No. Can we ever do enough, give enough, work hard enough to earn His love? No. Will we ever be able to repay Him? No. Yet we can bring God joy by simply enjoying His many blessings. We can bring Him joy by praising Him and worshipping Him as an extension of our gratitude. The Bible tells us that to enter Heaven, we must become like little children (Matthew 18:3). Why not give it a try? The joy my sister had for her gift of Carol Lottie is the same joy we can experience for the abundant gifts God’s given to us. 

Reflections

  • How does James 1:17 speak to you?
  • Think of a meaningful or memorable gift that you have received. Describe how the gift made you feel? Describe your feelings towards the one you gave you the gift? What was your reaction to receiving the gift? 
  • Spend time in praise and worship, thanking God for His blessings in your life. Write a love letter to God, expressing your gratitude. Or journal about the blessings received. 
  • How might your praise and worship differ if you were more like a little child?
    • Playful/Joyful (Philippians 4:4) 
    • Imaginative (Proverbs 29:18)
    • Curious/Inquisitive (Proverbs 18:15)
    • Trusting (Proverbs 3:5)
    • Loving (I John 4:8)
    • Teachable (Proverbs 13:18)
  • What are your personal LIFE Lessons?
    • Liberation: What new insights have you gained that have freed you from past thoughts or practices? 
    • Inspiration: In what ways have you been spiritually, emotionally or mentally motivated to live for Christ?
    • Fortification: What additional scriptural texts, passages or stories can reinforce and strengthen you against the attacks of the enemy?
    • Edification: How might you share your story to edify others and bring glory to God? 

Play List 

As you process, digest, and apply what’s been shared, here are a few songs from my “Totally SUBMITted” Playlist. Listen and let the music infiltrate your soul. Read the lyrics and let the words encourage you. And I pray that you’ll be blessed as I was. 

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You today filled with gratitude and thanksgiving! I enter Your gates with thanksgiving and into Your courts with praise (Psalm 100:4)! I thank You, my great God, for being in my midst. Thank You for being a mighty One who can and will save me. Although I’m not worthy, thank you for rejoicing over me with gladness and when I am out of sorts, thank You for quieting me with Your love (Zephaniah 3:17). Thank you for wiping my debt clean and for offering me eternal life (Romans 3:24).  In Your most Holy Name, I pray, Amen.

 

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