Giving
Week 22 in a multi-part series
For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life (John 3:16 AMP).
One of the greatest signs and wonders taking place on the earth today is the not-so-obvious correlation between man’s veracious desire to give during the Christmas season and the celebration of the birth of Christ. Even though this time of year has become very materialistic and commercial, one thing stands out more than anything else during this season: a heart of giving. All around the world, believers and non-believers alike demonstrate different levels of love with unusual generosity.
Also, during this season most have learned the joy of putting beautifully wrapped gifts under the tree for our loved ones, helping a needy family or giving toys to less-fortunate children.
While some may credit the seasonal inspiration on Santa Claus or even the three wise men bringing gifts to Jesus, the results are still the same: it is mostly during this season of celebrating Jesus’ birth, that His nature of love through giving is demonstrated at its highest level.
No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends (John 15:13 AMP). Father God showed His nature of love toward us when He gave His only Son to take on a human body and later die a horrible death. Jesus demonstrated His love when, He submitted to giving His life for all of us that we might live.
Where there is love there is giving!
There may be no direct spiritual correlation between man’s overwhelming desire to give during this season and God’s miraculous demonstration of giving, but it looks like a sign and wonder to me.
