The Gift

Have you ever received a gift and forgotten about it? I have.

Perhaps yours was a birthday present, something that was overlooked after the candles were blown out and you had opened the gift you really wanted. Maybe it was a Christmas gift, one among many. With paper flying as family and friends excitedly opened their gifts, this one was “lost” in the excitement.

There are the gifts we receive, open, and set aside. The color isn’t to our liking or the style reflects the giver’s taste more than our own. It’ placed in the back of the closet … forgotten.

You received the gift – but you don’t “own” it as yours.

Before going to the cross Jesus promised His disciples a “parting” gift: “‘And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Counselor [Advocate or Comforter] to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth.’” (John 14:16-17a, CSB)

A gift from Jesus and the Father! A gift I have been guilty of leaving “in the back of the closet.” A gift I have received but not owned as mine. How that must hurt the Giver!

This Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Christ, fellowship, enjoy our meals and open our gifts, let’s remember that not only did Jesus enter our world and give us the gift of Himself, but after He departed, He gave us the precious, priceless, gift of His Holy Spirit.

Let’s determine and discipline ourselves to talk with Him every day, seek His counsel in all matters and go to Him first for comfort in difficult times.