It’s Monday morning, less than 2 weeks before Christmas. If you’ve even taken the time to open this post, you are probably skimming it just to see if there is any nugget to help you get through a day of deadlines, carpool lines, headlines, and metro lines.
You may be preoccupied with the gifts you need to still need to buy. But what about the gifts that you need today?
As I reflect on the people of the Bible, so often it seems they didn’t get what they asked for, but they always got what they needed. It wasn’t usually comfortable, or predictable, but it was always good.
The Jews expected a military leader but they got a Savior who offered the gift of a forgiven eternal life with God.
The Magi were used to getting honor and awe, but received a humbling before the true King.
The shepherds were expecting a quiet night of sheep-keeping, but received an adventure and introduction of epic proportions.
Mary and Joseph didn’t expect to have to flee Herod as refugees after Jesus was born, but the Magi brought gifts that financed this detour.
You may not find the present you’re looking for, but you will have God’s presence. You may receive a deeper sense of your identity as a beloved child of His. You may grow in patience and peace.
His gifts may be beauty, or the delight of a child’s face, or an unexpected act of kindness.
Today, this ordinary Monday, may God give you the gifts you need in the exact moments you need them.
“The One that God sent speaks God’s words. And don’t think he rations out the Spirit in bits and pieces. The Father loves the Son extravagantly. He turned everything over to him so he could give it away—a lavish distribution of gifts.” John 3:34
