One Christmas, the adults in our family decided that we would draw family names instead of gifting individuals. The gifts to be exchanged were to be a household gift, not specific for either spouse but rather something that could be enjoyed by the whole family. The ladies talked among themselves and shared ideas for possible gifts.
At our family party, the gift “we” received was a beautiful decorative glass dish of beaded fruit. It was tastefully selected, beautifully wrapped and presented to us by our youngest daughter. It was lovely and made quite a show piece on our holiday table. I was absolutely delighted.
That night, my husband was uncharacteristically quiet. Finally, he gave a very illustrative sigh. Sensing his obvious suffering, I asked him, “What’s wrong?” He said, “I didn’t get ANYthing for Christmas from the kids. Nothing.”
I reminded him about the agreement to get each other something for the home instead of something personal. Enthusiastically, I told him about the beautiful bowl of beaded fruit that was now the center piece on our dining room table.
My husband looked momentarily confused then was thoughtfully silent. I could tell he was mulling over the idea of a generic “please everybody” gift verses a personal, “just for you,” gift.
After moments of thoughtful contemplation he exclaimed, “You mean I got BEADED FRUIT for Christmas? BEADED— FRUIT?” Needless to say, whenever our daughters speak of Christmas gifts now, they always, very seriously add, “and do NOT get Daddy beaded fruit, get him something personal!”
God created us for relationship with Himself. He sent His Holy Spirit so we could have more than a casual relationship, we could have intimacy. The Holy Spirit searches the mind of God and wants to share that closeness with us. (I Corinthians 2:9-10)
There are some who would say the gift of the Holy Spirit is from the devil. But, why would the devil give us something that brings us intimacy with the Lord? Throw aside the constraints of tradition and ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Any gift that God gives to bring us into intimacy with Himself, is ALL good!
Luke 11:11-13 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
Prayer: Father, help me to remember the precious gift of your son, Jesus this Christmas. Show me how to make Christ the center of my gift giving, my holiday fun and my attitudes. Thank you for such a precious gift, the gift of intimacy with you. Amen.
Scripture reference:
I Corinthians 2:9-10 However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” the things God has prepared for those who love him these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.