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Listen while you read: "Away In A Manger"1 (Lyrics) |
Loving grandparents gave their three-year-old grandson a sturdy black and red four-by-four toy truck for Christmas.
Squatted on his knees on the floor, the lad tore off the wrapping, picked up the truck, and went to a cupboard where old toys were kept. He loaded into his truck wee plastic cows and horses.
He was so gratified with his gift that, for the rest of the day, he parted with it only at mealtime. It was in his hands when he went upstairs to bed.
His grandparents (my brother and sister-in-law) watched with pleasure. They had chosen "the perfect gift".
Like the loving grandparents, our heavenly Father offers us the perfect gift. In Luke's gospel, we read that Jesus said, "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luke 11:13 ESV)
God offers us His own Spirit. Yet we, unlike the three-year-old, sometimes fear to receive what we can have. Why? Should we be afraid?
Can it be that we sometimes fear because we bypass the fact that even though we are imperfect, God loves us perfectly and wants the best for us?
Yet, knowing God in His perfect love, we can, with utmost assurance, accept — indeed ask for — His perfect gift, His Spirit, the Spirit of His Son, Jesus.
Then, having God's Spirit, we can expansively enjoy His whole kingdom with all its amenities!
"Fear not, little flock," said Jesus, "for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32 ESV)
Prayer: Lord God, thank You for Your perfect gift, Your Spirit, the Spirit of Your loving Son, Jesus, the Spirit Who keeps adding for us one gift upon another in divine relationship in Your kingdom. Please enable us to share the pleasure, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
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So fitting for today.
A beautiful message.
Thanks for the good reminder this wonderful day. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Isabel!
I love and live on the notion of God’s two perfect gifts, the Holy Spirit and HIS Kingdom.
Thanks for writing to us.
Good morning and MERRY CHRISTMAS Isabel!! Thanks for your Christmas inspiration. I’m waiting for our 5 miracles to come home on Boxing Day to celebrate “Christmas Day – “Unto us a child is born!” Open our eyes, Lord, that we may see Jesus, the way of salvation”
Thank you Isabel and all those who are involved with this most important Ministry.
Wishing you the very best for 2014 !
This was a true eye opener & a blessing. Thanks & GOD BLESS YOU.
Thanks, Allison. Your devotional was very well written and to the point.
Merry Christmas.
Found your devotional very helpful. It is clear, without being preachy, in demonstrating the glory of the hope we have in Christ.
You rightly put the verse in a practical way.
May we be encouraged this year with “how much more our Father”.
Amen.