The first impression that
immediately comes to my mind at the word “gifts” is wrapped presents. At
Christmas time, the idea of presents sets in motion a line of thoughts: first,
the excitement of opening presents with family instilled into me as a child;
next, what kinds of meaningful presents I can give to family and friends.
Although I want my gifts to be
useful, I am not excited at going out and buying a small appliance, an article
of clothing, or a decoration for the house.
What I really want to do is give a special gift, something related to
the loved one’s unique personality or interests, that speaks of our connection
and my love for them. Many a November
has been spent considering various homemade gift ideas, and this one is no
exception.
Giving such ideal gifts is
much harder than flying through the mall and doing all my Christmas shopping in
one afternoon. So, many times I do opt
for the easy way. But I prefer giving the
gifts from the heart, the ones that cost me more in time, effort and thought.
The original Giver gives gifts
from the heart. God didn’t just stop
after he gave his children gifts of light, animals, plants, natural beauty, and
all the wonders of this earth. He wanted to give more, to make it
personal. He came close to people,
walking and talking with them. He
pursued them when they walked away, and set up various laws and constraints
with the intention of protecting and caring for them from afar. The history of his involvement with a people
who often rejected him fills the Old Testament narratives.
And that still wasn’t
enough. In spite of their disinterest in
him, God then came to live among them for over thirty years as a
flesh-and-blood human being, Jesus. This was the only way to show them his true
personality, so they could perfectly understand the depths of his love and
tender care.
God’s gifts cost him dearly,
and he did not take the easy way. His
gift was the ideal gift, the perfect gift, a gift from the heart, tailor-made
for his beloved.
No wonder we celebrate so
joyfully at the occasion of Jesus’ birth!
Merry Christmas all!
* * * * * * * * * *
Well,
after almost five years, I am taking a break from my monthly contribution to this
blog, so this will be my last regular article. For now, I feel like I
have said just about all I have to say about writing, and you may have noticed
that I’m starting to repeat myself—ha ha!
I do plan to submit a book review or other special post to this blog now
and then, and to contribute my voice—online, in print, or both—writing about
my faith and prayer. I
am excited to see where God leads. A million thanks and blessings to all
of you bloggers here, for all of your insight, support and faith-building
posts!
Ramona Heikel
Happilywriting.com
Thank you for your faithful contributions Ramona.I have enjoyed getting to 'know' you through your posts. I'm holding you to your promise to drop in occasionally!
ReplyDeleteYou'll be missed here, Ramona. I really enjoyed this post - great analogy and thought-provoking.
ReplyDeleteI too have enjoyed reading your insightful blogs here, Ramona. You have your own distinct voice to which I've become accustomed. I will be looking for your visits to InScribe's log.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Thank you for your sweet comments, and I will miss you, too, but will "drop in" from time to time. :) God bless you all! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDelete