Advent 12-3-21

 Advent-You with me- 12-3-21

Sometimes it seems like I search forever to find that perfect gift for someone I love. I often wonder why I bother and why I keep searching. I realize the answers when the person opens the package and the joy on their face makes it all worthwhile.  Today I am thankful and grateful though because my God has given me a reason to adventure out and find that treasure to give!  I am also thank ful that God has shown us how to give good gifts through the Word of God. I don't just mean those three wise guys giving gifts after Jesus was born, but the best gift!  The love of God toward man that produced a way for us to find salvation in Jesus, the Christ, the best gift of all is Jesus!  

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:3-8

That love that we share together as we gift make, or gift give, is what we need to focus on! Not the most expensive things but the love we can share, the kindness we can share and the adventure of getting things together that will bless someone else. Maybe your gift will be food for a family that is hungry, maybe it will be music that you sing yourself. It doesn't have to become a hindrance to you but an adventure!  Think before you give, just like God the Father did! He thought about how to get us into His kingdom... In Jesus' name!