Accept Me…
Gifts are funny things – we like giving them, and we do like getting them, but we have such a hard time accepting them. To exchange gifts is one thing, to have someone give us something without reason or unexpectedly – we’re not sure what to do. We often try to reciprocate, ‘paying them back’ for their kindness.
And so it goes when it comes to the greatest gift, the One we’re celebrating this month. Jesus, who came when the world least expected Him. Wrapped up in a tiny baby was the biggest and best present.
Contained in downy skin, chubby feet and hands, tender curls was the conqueror of our enemy. Bundled in swaddling clothes was forgiveness for anything we had ever done or would do. Rocked by an earthly mother was the One who would offer us eternity.
My friend was recently complemented by a stranger ringing a bell in front of a red kettle. She told my friend that she loved the pin she was wearing and wished she had one like that. After my friend was through shopping she went out and removed the pin and handed it to the bell ringer. Shocked she wasn’t sure she could take it, but it had been given to my friend in love and in love she was willing to share it with a stranger.
All God asks is ‘Accept Me?’ The greatest Gift wraps me up in His love as though I were the gift. And for the rest of my days, and yours, blessing upon blessing is ours. For the storehouse of Love never runs out and the gifts He gives are meant for us to share with another.
“From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.” (John 1:16 NIV)
Two weeks til we open gifts with friends and family, what if for two weeks we shared one blessing after another? Doesn’t have to cost a dime – the gift of time for the lonely, the gift of a shoulder for the grieving, the gift of laughter to lighten a heart… The gift of not letting one more neighbor, relative, friend be in our presence without us asking ‘So do you know this Jesus I know?’ What if that is the blessing we purpose to share?
Hmmm, I know you’re thinking: ‘sounds good, but not practical – most people don’t want to be bothered’. You are right, but what if just one is bothered? Bothered enough to Accept Him – and then they share the Gift….
If you stopped by because you read my devotion today over at Encouragement Cafe, WELCOME! So glad you are here!
parisrenae 
Thank you for this challenge today! I am going to a Christmas lunch at my old work today and will have the opportunity to catch up with many people — and the opportunity to share. Lord, strengthen me to share You today!
LikeLike
Sarah, thank you for stopping by. I am praying for you right now that the opportunity is there and that He just steps in and speaks right through you. Shine His light, He’ll do the rest. Blessings, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year filled with His abundant grace… Paris
LikeLike
Thank you for this sweet reminder! I do think it sounds good, but I also think it is quite practical! Merry Christmas!
Blessing and smiles,
Lori
LikeLike
Lori, thank you for stopping by. Hoping we can ‘bother’ some people with the Good News! Merry Christmas and a New Year blessed with His abundant grace be yours…
LikeLike