Acts 20:35b- "......and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."
I will admit that I have, over the years, become somewhat of a "scrooge". Outside of celebrating the birth of Christ, my "Christmas spirit" has gradually ebbed away. Due to how our world had commercialized this holiday, it seems that most people are overly concerned with receiving- what they're going to get. They equate the size and value of a gift with how much the recipient is liked or respected. However, according to Scripture, Christmas (and the Christian life in general) is all about giving.
This is the very example that Christ Himself set for us during His earthly ministry. It's also the example that He continues to set for us today. Our God is a giving God- He's always giving us the things we need as well as some things we want. If we are going to be Christlike, then we must have a giving spirit.
In our devotionals this month, I'm going to be focusing on some of the things that God, in His infinite grace, gives to us. It is my hope that we can use this particular holiday season to strengthen our giving spirit so that we can be in the true "Christmas spirit".
P.S.- Sorry for the lateness of this week's devotional.