A Season of Receiving
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My parents taught me early in life about the joy of giving. In their own way they modeled the teaching of Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
As I watched them share their money, time, and resources with others, it seemed natural that I would do the same when I grew up and had time and income of my own.
And so I did and continue to do.
But I’m realizing in my old age that there is also a great deal more to everyday life and to Christmas than giving. There is much joy to be had from receiving. And I’m not talking here about receiving wrapped packages from others. I’m talking about accepting and being grateful for the unmerited gifts of God’s love and peace and grace that is what this season is really all about.
So even as we shop for presents for others and prepare foods and festivities that include family and friends, let’s also take time to sit still, to close our eyes, and simply receive all that God has provided through Jesus Christ.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
(Isaiah 9:6)
Merry Christmas, dear friends/readers, and thank you for your faithful following and fellowship.
Nice, Karen. Good reflection. I receive God’s grace with a humble heart and much joy. love, Heidi
Thank you, Heidi. I appreciate that we share in God’s grace and love.
Merry Christmas, Karen. This is a hard year for my family so being reminded to focus on Jesus and the love He represents is timely. Thank you.
I’m sorry your family has had a hard year, Barb. May the new one bring healing to whatever has been a challenge. I think of you often and all the years we shared in publishing.
Amen! Thank you for the reminder to focus on receiving everything the Lord has for us. The more love, peace, grace, courage, and wisdom we receive from the Lord, the more we can give to others. Your article is beautiful. Merry Christmas Karen.
Thank you for your wise words, Sandy.
Merry Christmas dear Karen!
I read your message aloud in the car as we are driving to my nieces for Christmas Eve.
Sending love to you from th Honeycutt clan.
Love,
Bev
Thanks, Bev, and much love to all my favorite friends on Honeycutt.
Thank you, Karen, for another blessing. At the close of a Christmas devotion I wrote for my church several years ago, God was gracious and planted these thoughts in my mind as I was thinking of the blessings I had received from Him. Then I thought of the fact we need to share these blessings. THEN, God planted these words: ” you can only share what you have received for yourself”. A gift is not a gift until we accept it. I wonder how many blessings I have received from Him and failed to thank Him or share them?
Blessings to you on this Holy Night! May we be filled with His love and share it. Merry Christmas, Karen, with love. Margaret
Thank you, Margaret. I love what you shared, as I always do.
I always enjoy your messages, but this one is even better than most.
Thank you, Janet. How encouraging it is to read your words.
Merry and Blessed Christmas to you dear Karen and to you dear friends of Karen and to all your loved ones.
Yes to focusing on the reason for the season ….. the birth of Jesus ……. and all that we have been given and received because of that glorious day. Peace, Joy and Love to all mankind.❤️🕉🙏🏻🌟❤️
Thank you, Kathleen. May the gift of the season be yours all through the new year. ❤️ Much love, dear friend.
Thank you Karen, for your wonderful reminder that Christmas is also about receiving the good gifts our Father has given to us through Jesus. Blessings!
Thank you, Carol. Sending love and appreciation to you and Don.
Thank you Karen for that timely message. This is my second Christmas without John. The good Lord has blessed me in many ways during this time. I am ever so grateful for the abundance of His love and taking me by my right hand and leading me through this past year and a half.
I loved hearing from you, Joan. I can imagine you are still missing John as I miss Charles, especially at this time of year. But we are blessed to know we have God’s love and care and direction. Have a happy and healthy new year.
Dear Karen,
I’m just catching up on my emails. Always good to read your words that give me inspiration. Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year!
Roz
Hi Roz. Thanks so much for dropping by. I appreciate your kind words about my writing. Happy New Year to you, as well.