It’s Christmas morning, and the sunlight pouring through the bedroom window wakes the children. With tossled hair and squinty eyes, they run downstairs anticipating the surprises Santa has left for them. Witnessing this stampede, their parents look at each with coffee in their hands and smile. Little do the children know that their parents stayed up all night wrapping each gift that sits under the tree and each present that hangs in their stockings. In fact, their mother took a second job this year to make sure they could buy presents and pay bills during the holiday season. It was a tight month, but they sacrificed in order to provide their kids with a memorable Christmas. Truly, these acts were not the result of a materialistic heart. These parents simply love giving to their children.
It is natural to want to bless those you love, and this Christmas season giving is expected. Although it can be a stressful time of juggling financial responsibilities, most find joy in giving to others. God loves to give to us, too. In fact, he cares more for us than we could ever care for our children or our spouses, and he desires to meet our wants and needs. According to Matthew 7:11, giving brings God the same joy we feel when we bless our children.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
-Matthew 7:7-11
Never feel selfish going to God with your requests, and never feel like he doesn’t care about them. Whether a loved one’s salvation or a bounced check, he cares. Abraham used a word to describe God in Genesis 22:14 that translates to Jehovah-jireh, “the Lord will provide.” God’s very nature is to provide for us! Be comforted this Christmas season knowing that God wants to bless you in many ways- ultimately, with the realization of his best gift to us: the birth and sacrifice of his son, Jesus. Merry Christmas!
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What should we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
-Matthew 6:31-33