A God Who Gives

the wise men bringing gifts

By Amy Layne Litzelman –

“For God so greatly loved

and dearly prized the world

fall scents for your home

that He gave…”

John 3:16 AMP

I often find myself torn this time of year.

I’m shocked that “the perfect imprint and very image of [God’s] nature” – the One who upholds and maintains and guides and propels the universe by His mighty word of power – would lie in a bed of hay as a crying babe. (Hebrews. 1:3, AMP)

I can’t help but wonder as I recall John the Baptist leaping in Elizabeth’s womb at the mere sound of Mary’s greeting.

And my chest is gripped each time I read Mary’s passionate exchange:

 “My soul magnifies and extols the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior… He has filled and satisfied the hungry with good things…” (Luke 1:46; 53)

The details of a young virgin giving birth, a young bridegroom persuaded by an angel, a group of shepherds chosen as the first visitors – these never get old or dusty. I’m overwhelmed by such love and grace.

But as much as I want to focus fully on this most important Gift, I find myself with stockings stuffed and boxes under the tree. And I wonder how I can stray from the true meaning of Christmas.

Every year I think we’re going to get our sons a few small gifts. But each year my husband, Matt, and I long to give our best. Something that will touch their hearts and fulfill their needs. I get so excited thinking of their excitement and surprise, but then feel guilty as presents pile up.

A few days ago I read something written by a good friend, Steve: “The giving of gifts during Christmas is a good thing because each gift we receive prophetically speaks of a much greater gift we have been given.”

And I began to ponder.

 Is it wrong to give gifts to those I love?
Am I too focused on the world when I share what I have?
Or am I representing the heart of One who gave the greatest Gift?

Giving is the heart of my Father.

He gave His Son in that manger.
Because He wanted the best for you. For me.
Because He wanted to fulfill our needs.

But mostly, He gave to satisfy His own intense love for us.

 “But God – so rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us…made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ… (Ephesians 2:5-6 AMP)

These verses stun me every time I read them. That you and I would be the focus of so much love.

As I pondered this again, I realized a very important truth:

When we give out of love, we are agreeing with the image of God in us. It is when we don’t long to give that we need to step back and ask, “Father, change my heart.

 This Christmas, go ahead. Pour out your love in deep and intense and wonderful ways.

In words.
In actions.
In gifts.

Let the beauty of giving reveal a Father who so greatly loves and dearly prizes us that He gave His best.

1 thought on “A God Who Gives”

  1. It’s not wrong to give, it’s wrong to *over-give*. Some folks give their offspring four gifts…Something you want, Something you need, Something to wear and Something to read. And I add, a donation to something like The Critter Campaign where families are given animals -goats, pigs, sheep, chickens, etc. or the gift of a well for clean water. It’s the meaning of Christmas made tangible into the future. http://www.gfa.org/giving/christmas/
    Merry Christmas to you and yours, God’s blessings on you all.

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A God Who Gives
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