One Christmas, the adults in our family decided that we would draw ‘family’ names instead of gifting individuals. The ‘gift’ was to be a household gift, not specific for either spouse. The ladies talked among themselves and shared ideas for ‘couples’ gifts.
At our family party, “our” gift was a beautiful glass dish of beaded fruit, tastefully selected by our youngest daughter. 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 getting ‘couples’ gifts; 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. Dan was thoughtfully silent.
Then, in total disbelief, he proclaimed, “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. Some say the gift of the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking in tongues, is of 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!”
The Holy Bible, New International Version®. Pradis ;Grand Rapids: The Zondervan Corporation, © 1973, 1978, 1984.