With Christmas just a couple days away, most of us have completed our gift checklists.  The flurry of wrapping and stashing is complete and the anticipation of watching our loved ones open those presents is near.

Giving gifts is something we all love to do.  Why?  Because we’re created in God’s image and He is the best gift-giver of all!

According to Romans 12:6, “…we have different gifts…” given to us by God.  Romans 12 goes on to name a few, but is by no means a comprehensive list.  From hospitality to speaking, serving to giving, the array of gifts that God distributes to us is nearly endless!

And, just like parents want to see their children enjoy the gifts they’ve been given, God wants to see His children enjoy, embrace, and share the gifts He’s given to us.

God purposefully chose the gifts He gave to each one of us.  We didn’t receive them randomly or by chance.  He gave them to us intentionally and calls us to share them with others.

I Peter 4:10 & 11 says, “Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others…that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything.”

Yet, how many times do we allow fear or doubt to influence us to put our gifts on a shelf?  How often do we yield to comparison and, as a result, hesitate to share our gifts because we won’t be as good as “they are?”

Friend, may I share a vital truth with you? 

The world does not need another Priscilla Shirer, Pioneer Woman, or Lauren Daigle (to name just a few).  It needs YOU – with your unique personality and beautiful gifts to match!

And so, God asks you today – If one person is positively and eternally impacted by you sharing your gifts, would it be worth it? 

As we prepare to celebrate God’s most meaningful gift to us in just a couple days, let us also remember that it is because of Jesus’s birth, life, death, and resurrection that we can boldly share our gifts with the world, too!

Jesus modeled gift-sharing for us and the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all attest to the various ways He served those around Him on a daily basis with His gift (Himself).

Let’s follow His example and share our God-given gifts as we look to make the world a better place and, ultimately, glorify our Father in Heaven – the Giver of every good and perfect gift! (James 1:17)

Until next time, Grace and Glory…and Merry Christmas!