iMPACT QUESTION (iQ): Is the Christmas Holiday stressful or sacrificial for you?
Romans 8:32-33 — “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”
I noticed a coworker who looked very distressed today and asked her what was wrong. She said that she was stressed out because she’s having the family over for the holidays, wrapping gifts, and the only gift that her son had asked for was out of stock and that she was afraid that her son wouldn’t get what he wanted. I realized that for those that I have spoken with, the Holidays happen to be one of the most stressful times of the year. People run around frantically trying to find items that will soon be in the back of others closets, stored in attics, or in garages. We can learn from God that our giving should be sacrificial and not stressful. God has already given all that is needed for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Yet we are running towards stress when we search for temporary earthly pleasures. There is nothing wrong with gifts, until the gifts start controlling the giver. Our presence is one of the greatest gifts that we can give others. Our Father gave Jesus so that we can have eternal life and also sent the Holy Spirit. He wanted to give us the gift of His presence through the Holy Spirit being with us always. Our Father knows how to give good gifts (Matthew 7:11). Yet our Father’s greatest gift is His Son and Holy Spirit which is Himself. Give gifts that will be remembered and cannot be thrown away.
iMPACT FULFILLED (iF):
1. Resist the urge to shop for others contentment.
2. Recognize that people will remember a moment with you rather than a something made from you.
3. Rest from the obligation of trying to please people.
iMPACT QUOTE (i QUOTE): written by Rev. Eric Levels
Your presence is more important than your presents.
Your time is the most valuable thing you can give, but it’s also priceless to others.
iMPACT CHALLENGE (i CHALLENGE): Reduce the amount of physical gifts given and purchased, and spend more time with the ones you love.
ericlevels.com 