I am normally a planner. A little bit obsessive about making lists and checking them off. In fact, there have been many years where I am almost completely done with my Christmas shopping by the end of October. So, this year when I had not bought a single Christmas gift until the week of Thanksgiving, it was kind of a big deal.
Enter frantic online and in-store Christmas shopping all of those black Friday deals. Now, I am almost finished shopping for everyone on my list and packages arrive at our door daily. Envelopes, boxes, and bags – oh my!
Gifts are a big deal in my family. Growing up, my siblings and I did not make Christmas lists. My parents like the surprise element, so if you asked for something, you were pretty much guaranteed to get something else. However, I never remember being disappointed a single Christmas or birthday. Every year, my dad gives my mom the best gifts. He keeps it a total secret, and we always looked forward to watching my mother open her gifts just about as much as opening our own.
Our Father God is like that. He plans out and gives good gifts to us. There are the obvious ones like love, grace, salvation, life itself, provision for our needs, even the people He brings into our lives to help us and point us toward Him.
But this week, I read about one I have never considered before.
“Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 5:18-19 (ESV)
The ability to be content wherever God has placed us in life. The work that we do. It is a gift from God that we can find joy in our work.
I know sometimes I don’t look at my work like that. I get frustrated by crazy kids, miscommunication among those I work with, boss’s decisions, and upcoming performances. At times, I don’t feel joyful about going to work. I want to stay home and do what I want to do.
However, God can give me the strength to choose joy in those moments. What an amazing gift! The choice to find something joyful in stressful moments can transform my day.
The interesting thing about Eccesiastes 5 is that it also talks about some things that we can do for God. Gifts that we can give to Him.
The beginning of Ecclesiastes 5 tells us to guard our steps when we go to God’s house. It says, “To draw near and listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil.”
This Christmas, I want to Draw Near and Listen.
“Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.” Ecclesiastes 5:2 (ESV)
This Christmas, I want to guard my lips and Think Before I Speak.
“When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow.” Ecclesiastes 5:4 (ESV)
This Christmas, I want to honor promises I make and Keep My Word.
Three gifts that I want to give to God this Christmas season because He has given so much to me. As I plan my Christmas list, allotting who will get what, I don’t want to forget my Father God.
Psalm 76:11 says, “Make your vows to the Lord your God and perform them; let all around him bring gifts to him who is to be feared.”
What are you planning on giving God for Christmas?
Action Step: As you make your Christmas lists, both for shopping and events and things to do, think about what God might want from you for Christmas. Let’s not forget the center of this season is the gift of Jesus from God Himself to us.
Father God, thank you for all the wonderful gifts you have given us. We are so grateful for the gift of Your Son, especially at this season. You give good gifts to your children. Help us to give back to You this Christmas. In Jesus’ name, amen.