Christmas time usually lifts people's spirits. There are lights, presents, and the promise of snow. It is a time that we feel good about ourselves because we have given to others. I love giving gifts to others, but I don't want that happy feeling to ever fade away. This December, I am reminded that the reason we give gifts is because we are following God's example as He gave His son, Jesus, to die on a cross to give us the gift of salvation. This is by far the greatest, most precious gift that could ever be given! It is beyond measure - priceless even. No one can buy this gift of salvation which leads to everlasting life, but out of God's love and mercy, He offers it as a free gift to the world! That thought alone is astounding to me, since we as humans have done nothing to deserve this wonderful free gift. This example of selfless giving is my motivation and reason for giving to others. We need to make sure we have the right motives for giving gifts. Is it to gain popularity? Is it to gain something in return? No, Jesus DIED for me so that I could obtain salvation and live with Him someday in Heaven. How can I not try to reflect His selfless devotion to others in meager acts of kindness?
How much better things would be if we all just stopped thinking about ourselves and what we can gain and actually did something for someone else with no strings attached. There are so many people who are lonely and hurting this holiday season. We can overlook them and convince ourselves that we have nothing to give them or we can offer them something. We really do have a lot to give other people, whether it's a little bit of money, material objects, words of encouragement, or prayer. Just something to think about during this CHRISTmas season.
