The space under the tree is empty. The presents have been opened. Christmas day is done. I remember as a child on these first days after Christmas thinking that next Christmas was more than a life-time away.. I remember being sad that there were no more gifts to open. As I look back on those thoughts I am amazed at how quickly gratitude was replaced with self-centered longing for more stuff. Not pleasant thoughts!
Now as adult, I find, I really haven’t changed all that much. God’s goodness to me is quickly forgotten and replaced with, “I want more.”
This thinking clouds reality. The truth is that God’s giving to me and to you never stops! Each morning the gift of Christ awaits you. God is relentless in his pursuit to bring joy to our needy souls. He cannot be out given. No matter what circumstance you face, the unfailing love of God is constant.
This love transcends the difficulties of daily life. Each morning the wonder of Christ is yours again. This is not a gift that you have earned. So, don’t require others to earn your love and your favor before you love them.
Give this gift that is freely given to you to your spouse, to your children, to those God brings your way.
Let your children know by your daily gratitude to God that he never stops giving good gifts!
Rejoice that the Lord is our portion, now and forever:
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.
(Lamentations 3:22-24)