It's almost here!

 

If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving—large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you (Luke 6:38, NLT). 

If you are like me, I can't wait to give someone a gift, to see the look on their face as they open it, knowing it was all worthwhile. At Christmas, however, do you feel obligated to "have" to give someone a gift? An office party or maybe, a family get together where names are drawn? Do you get something that satisfies the obligation with no thought as to what the reaction would be?

If so, consider this: Jesus also gave the most wonderful gift of all, Himself. He didn't stop to think, "oh wait, that Abigail in Poughkeepsie is a real jerk, I won't give it to her!" haha...no, he gave ALL of himself, knowing that there would be those who didn't deserve anything yet His love went out even to them. Something to think about this season....giving ALL of yourself, even if it is a plate of homemade cookies. Think about the other person, pray for them, as well as for yourself. See yourself tolerant of them, feel charitable towards them. I guarantee you, by Christmas, those feelings will be on the forefront as you watch their reaction when they open that gift that you gave--out of love!