Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:7
I love that Thanksgiving precedes the Christmas season. Thanksgiving brings together family and friends to enjoy relationships and to be thankful for how God has bless you over the year. I believe this time of fellowship and gratitude is a perfect introduction into the Christmas season.
Christmas is a time to remember how God entered our world to bring us to Him. It is the one element that we can all be thankful for – the God who created the whole world, the One we have actively rebelled against, entered our world to save us. It is impossible to enjoy Christmas without being thankful.
Christmas is also a time for giving gifts to people. Some people don’t like this part of Christmas because of the stress involved and how many kids only see this as the season of getting gifts. However, I feel this catches so much of the heart of God. He gave His Son (John 3:16). Every good gift comes down from the Father above (James 1:17).
Giving thanks sets your heart to want to give to others. It reminds you of the blessings you have received, and sets you up to be a blessing to others. When you know how rich you are in Christ, you want to give to others. You also start to realize in God’s economy that giving to others is the quickest way to gain riches in His kingdom.
May the spirit of thankfulness carry you through this entire holiday season. Rejoice. Be happy. Spread cheer. God is in control and He loves you.
Additional Resources:
3 Reasons Why You Should Practice Thankfulness Daily
- Thankfulness keeps us in His presence.
- Thankfulness releases supernatural resources.
- Thankfulness makes us happier.
3 Reasons Giving Thanks is Important
- Jesus thinks it’s important.
- Our gratitude leads us to do things for Jesus.
- The greater our gratitude the more we will experience of God
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