Does your gift list include Jesus this Christmas?
In previous parts of this series, we saw that we can give Jesus the gifts of worship, surrender and acceptance. After that, what do we possibly have that Jesus would want?
Many things, actually. The shepherds give us a clue in their gift to Jesus: “After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.” (Luke 2:17 NLT). From this we learn that one gift to Jesus is to tell others about Him, just as His final commission to His disciples instructs us to do (See Matt. 28:18-20).
Another special gift to Jesus is sacrifice: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1 NIV; see also Hebrews 13:16, 1 Samuel 15:22; Psalms 51:17, etc.).
As I thought about all this however, it occurred to me that the perfect gift to receive is one that makes us happy, one that pleases us; and the Bible tells us just what it is that pleases Him: “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NASB)
Just like all loving parents wants their children to trust them, God wants His children to trust Him, to put their faith in Him. And when we do, it brings Him great pleasure. This “pleasing” faith cannot be just lip-service, however, for the Bible tells us that faith without works is dead (See James 2:14-26). Our actions need to scream forth that we have faith in Jesus!
What does this look like in real life?
Philippians 4:19 tells us, “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (NASB) If we have faith in God, we will not worry when we lose our jobs or our bread-winner is taken from the family. We will go forward knowing that God is our provision.
2 Corinthians 9:8 says, “And God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that, always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed…” (NASB). If we truly have faith in God’s provision, then we will give as the widow gave (See Luke 21:1-4). We won’t worry about not having enough for ourselves, we will simply give what we have to those in need.
Exodus 15:2a tells us: “The Lord is my strength and song…” (NASB). True faith dictates that even when we are tired, we can continue on ever knowing that He will supply the strength we need.
The same verse goes on to say, “And He has become my salvation…” (Exodus 15:2b NASB). We also read that we are saved by faith and not by works (See Ephesians 2:8), and that we are saved by calling on the name of the Lord (See Romans 10:13). True faith dictates that we have that assurance of our Salvation. There is no room for doubt.
James 1:5 says, “…if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (NASB). Yet so many times we ask God for wisdom, and then we doubt what He places in our minds. A true gift of faith, one that is pleasing to God, removes all doubt. When we ask for wisdom, we simply believe that what He puts in our minds is just that: wisdom from above!
There are many other examples, but the point is, we can give Jesus the gift of faith this year for Christmas. We can believe in our hearts that what He promises is true, and when we do, that faith is manifested in our actions, and it is a gift that is pleasing to Him!
It is about one week until Christmas. Won’t you commit to giving Jesus some gifts this year? If you’ve never given Him your heart, that’s the place to start! And if you have, then consider giving Him the gift of worship, the gift of sharing the gospel message with others, the gift of sacrifice, the gift of surrender, and especially, the gift of faith!
Jesus has given us so much! Let’s give back to Him this year!
This is the last part of the mini-series, “Giving Gifts to Jesus”. If you have missed any of the previously published parts, you can access the entire series by clicking here. Alternatively, you can email me and I will send them to you! God bless you all as you considering giving gifts to Jesus this year!
In His love,
Lyn
Lynona Gordon Chaffart
Author, Moderator, Acting Director, Answers2Prayer Ministries
