Really, it’s all about the gifts.
It’s true. In our culture, the Christmas season is all wrapped up in the giving and getting of gifts. At the risk of dodging a few rotten tomatoes, I’ll say something further: There’s really nothing wrong with that.
After all, gift-giving is Scriptural. Check out this short list of Biblical gifts:
• Gold
• Frankincense
• Myrrh
• Costly perfume(Matthew 2:11, NKJV; John 12:3, NKJV)
The very best gift I ever received was from the Three-in-One Himself: the gift of forgiveness.
Now, how about a novel idea? Have YOU ever considered giving the gift of forgiveness for Christmas?
If not, would you consider it now? You might already have a list of people who need this gift from you. For me, the list was titled “People I’m Holding a Grudge Against”, and sadly, that list contained the names of family members. Our families can be torn apart because we won’t give the gift of forgiveness.
So, what do you say? You could make your own list. Check it twice. Then, whether naughty or nice, you could mark them off.
Aw, come on. Give the gift, and feel the joy.
After all…’tis the season.
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
(2 Corinthians 9:15, NIV)
Good stuff, Steph!
Thank you, sweet Becca. ♥
I just love, love, love this short & simple editorial. Fabulous. Holy. Spiritual. Motivating. Inspiring. A word in due season.
Merry Christmas Stephanie.
Oh, Merry Christmas to you, too, Susan. Thank you for the encouragement!
This is GREAT!
Angie, thank you! Your comment is much appreciated.
Thanks for the smack across my face. I needed it and I'm gonna do something about it. Keep keepin it real, girl. You rock!
May I please say that YOU rock? Thank you, thank you.
This is great Stephanie, and goes right along with a conversation the husband I and I were having last night about a person we are having anger issues with. (As in, we constantly stay angry, and hold a grudge against this person - and yes, it is a family member.) Sigh, perhaps God is speaking to me, and I need to forgive and move on.
Here, here! But alas, I know firsthand how hard it is to let it go. Praying, praying for you. Thank you for the privilege.
Thanks Stephanie! We all need to start with forgiveness to find true happiness and joy!
Bless you, Kay.
Stephanie, it never fails that when I read your writing, I, one feel very inspired to pursue the action you suggest. Two, I, enjoy reading your thoughts because it allows me to feel closer to you since I am so far away form you and your family. Have a Merry Christmas and TTL!
Much love out to you, Adam. ♥
Stephanie,
Thanks for sending to me! We all have those we need to forgive and I believe God had you send this to me to get my attention! It was inspirational and appreciated!
Suzanne
Thank you, Suzanne!
Forgiveness such a generous gift to give ……. which when given, returns to the givee with such great dividends. The best of which has seemed to be the "Freedom" from carrying the grudge for so long. Indeed it is a great gift to give, especially for the one doing the giving. Enjoy knowing the reason for the season, " Merry Christmas and a very Blessed New Year!"
Such a blessing you are Kerri. Thank you.
Stephanie,
My dear friend, I'm so glad to see you using your God-given talent of writing. It truly is a gift, like that of an artist or a craftsman, and you are using it well. Thanks for the blessing!
Such a gift to hear from you, Sarah, my dear, dear friend. ♥ Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
How awesome! We cannot give a better gift then to forgive our brother or sister. By releasing them we release our selves. Thank you Stephanie.
Thank YOU, Fran. Love to you at Christmas, and always.
Terrific work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher!
Thank you for the input! Blessings to you.
Concise and written well, thanks much for the info
Somehow I missed this post early on, but just had to say…..love it!
I owe you one.