Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts the gifts bestowed on us by God. – 1 Corinthians 2:12
Perhaps the challenge of the gospel lies precisely in the invitation to accept a gift for which we can give nothing in return. For the gift is the life breath of God, the Spirit poured out on us through Jesus Christ. (With Open Hands, 51, Nouwen)
Even though we have only begun the Advent season, it’s difficult not to think of the gift-giving of the Christmas season to come. These next few weeks are a flurry of activity spent online and in malls, finding that one last gift, only to then remember someone else on our list!
It’s good for us to give thoughtful and loving gifts. IN a very small way, it is a participation in God’s nature, as he bestows so many gifts to others. God gives us all the gift of his very own life, poured out on the cross and renewed daily in the life of the church community. It is because God loved us first that we become capable of loving others.
Prayer- Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me. Give me a heart like yours so I might love all those whom I come into contact with.