We’re all familiar with the last minute discovery of needing one more gift to round out your list. And now, with Christmas just a day or two away, you’re not sure you have time to get it all done. Don’t you love that feeling?
Well, believe it or not, today I’m encouraging you to make room for one more item. The good news is that it won’t crimp your budget and you don’t have to fight traffic to get it done. This gift you can offer to God and to your friends and family and everyone else in your life, any time you want.
What’s the gift? It’s gratitude. It’s saying ‘thank you’ to God for all he has done. It’s saying ‘thank you’ to others for being a part of your life.
In Philippians 1:3 Paul says: “Every time I think of you I give thanks to God.” Imagine saying to your family and friends and co-workers and fellow church members, “This Christmas, in addition to my other gifts, I’m giving you Philippians 1:3. For the coming year, every time I think of you, I will pause a moment to give thanks to God for your presence in my life.”
Today you may be wrestling with unmet needs and dealing with difficult relationships. Most of us are. And the holidays have a way of driving these differences front and center. But you can take a few minutes to forget about what seems to be missing and focus instead on what surely exists: the many blessings God has given you, especially through those he has brought into your life.
One more gift to give. A gift you can give every moment of the day.
Every time I think of you I give thanks to God.
© 2007/2024. Today’s post was adapted from Steve’s message, Saving Christmas.
