Attention moms: Santa spoiler alert!

 “Every good and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17

“Presents” and “Presence”

I think most of us remember what it was like as a child at Christmastime. I recall waking up just about every morning, probably at least a couple of weeks before Christmas, asking my parents how many more days till Santa would come. It seemed like it took forever for the morning to arrive when I would see those presents under the tree. Most years I asked for and got a new doll, but many times I was pleasantly surprised by gifts that I didn’t ask for or even think about. Of course eventually I learned that reindeer can’t fly, and that Santa was not watching to see if I’d been naughty or nice.

As adults we enjoy giving gifts and seeing excited children anxiously looking forward to the day they would open their presents, wondering if they would get what they asked for.

These days, presents are not such a big deal to me. My enjoyment and desire has changed from getting the “presents” to having the “presence” of my loved ones around me, especially during the holidays.

These thoughts led me to think about my relationship with the Lord. He, too, loves to give good gifts to us, His children, but He also desires fellowship with us. He not only watches us, but He loves us and is aquatinted with all our ways (Psalm 139:3). He sees our outward behavior of being “naughty or nice”, but He also knows our motives and our hearts. He has made a way for us to experience His presence because He’s given His Holy Spirit to dwell within us. This should be our joy and delight, for “in His presence is fullness joy” (Psalm 16:11), plus He “is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20).

As with children, we must be taught to value people and strive for healthy relationships. If we work for and desire only material things, we will remain like children: immature, ungrateful, ill-mannered, self-centered, and unfulfilled. Money, popularity, and stuff can become the motivation for our actions and lifestyle. We will tend to be self-serving instead of servant-hearted, thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought. Because of our sinful nature we allhave to be taught the ways of the Lord, how He wants us to live and think. Thankfully, He has enabled us to do just that because He’s given us His Word, His Son Jesus Christ, and His Holy Spirit (His presence). Hallelujah!

Father, thank You for Your indescribable gift! Although I love receiving from Your hand, I especially love receiving from Your heart. I look forward to the day when I will see You face to face! Amen.