I have to admit, I am having more fun shopping for Christmas gifts this year than ever before. For one thing, I love the convenience of sifting through the myriad of choices from the comfort of my computer chair with a piece of pie in hand. And whenever I want. And no one knows or cares that my daughter is throwing a fit because she has to be in bed; no stares of condemnation and judgement, no zipping coats and fastening car seat buckles. But really, I love reading reviews from customers, comparing prices from different stores, etc. Not all my gifts are online purchases, but to be honest, I’m somewhat surprised we haven’t gotten a call from the credit card company to see if the card was stolen.
Perhaps it’s a sign of my upbringing, but every pleasure seems to provoke some feeling of guilt. Am I turning materialistic? Am I out of control? Every addict says, “I can quit any time.” Right now I’m approaching the end of my list of gift recipients, and I feel a little like Alexander the Great who wept because there were no more worlds to conquer. In reality, though, I objectively think I’m not out of control, just caught up in the excitement of preparing surprises for happy family members. (I’m also excited about getting it done earlier than I ever have, probably ever will. And Christmas cards haven’t been started yet—no one said you could have it all.)
The point of this rambling is that I am excited to be giving “good gifts” to my children and other family members. There is anticipation of the joy and surprise I will see on their faces when we exchange tokens of our love for each other. And it reminds me of Matthew 7, where God teaches us that the love of a parent for a child, exemplified in giving them things that are good for them and that will be helpful to them, is a washed-out version of God’s love for us.
Christmas can be a struggle for a lot of people. A struggle to find time for all the demands of the season. An effort to budget for all the gifts, parties, decorations, etc. that tap already-stretched incomes. A desire for everything to be “perfect” and to perform up to everyone’s expectations. My friend, “If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” With the same love and anticipation I feel about buying animal crackers on sale at the grocery to light up my children’s faces, our heavenly Father wants to meet your needs. And His gifts are always good.
“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
