GIFTS FROM GOD! by Steve Shipley

Every Christmas, you hear folks grumble on about the commercialization of the holiday. Well, I for one, like the shopping and the gift giving. Sure, there is a deeper, more important meaning to Christmas and Jesus IS the reason for the season. But to me, one of the highlights of Christmas Day is watching my grand-kids open their presents. No Grinch is going to take that away from me.

A few years ago, my young grandson, Christian, was a huge fan of the "Star Wars" movies. On Christmas, the first present he opened was a huge spacecraft from the movie. He yelped and grabbed it up and headed out of the room exclaiming, "I'm done!". At that point, for him, Christmas was over. He got what he wanted. It was no matter that there were still countless more gifts under the tree that were just as wonderful. He loved his new toy and off he went to play with it.

This is very much like many Christians are when it comes to God. We take His marvelous gift of salvation through Christ and we're finished. Off we go, saying, "I'm done!". But alas, our heavenly Father has many more gifts to bestow upon us; but we're in the other room, content with the one. The Bible says that, "every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of Lights." He has awesome gifts to give to each of one of us. Don't make the mistake of thinking that it's over after opening the gift of salvation. Search the scriptures and you will find much more. God wants to bless you far more than you can imagine! ( ( Hint: I Cor. 12 )

My little grandson soon realized that there were more presents to open on that Christmas day. His joy was componded with each gift he unwrapped. Christmas really IS about the gifts. It's about the gift of salvation through Jesus our Savior. Then it's about all the gifts follow! Have a merry Christmas and remember to open all your Gifts!