THE GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS
Ask any kid what their favorite part of Christmas is, and to a child, they’ll say presents! And we grown ups understand – because, let’s face it, There’s just nothing like a great gift, right? Thing is, when we give our kids a present, we don’t want them just to glance at it, then set it aside and move on. We want them to really look at what we’ve given. We want them to hold our gifts and pay attention to them. We want our gifts to be thoroughly received and enjoyed. The same is true for the gifts that God gives us. Scripture tells us about so many of the gifts He’s given us – gifts that are beyond number or measure. There are even gifts that “eye has not seen nor ear has heard” about – – – so much that God has given AND has in store for us. The Bible says that, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights” (James 1:17 NIV). We could talk all year about the different gifts God gives His people! For now, during this holiday season, let’s talk about four specific gifts He’s given us. And let’s not just talk about them; let’s “unwrap” and examine them together – together with the Lord as we “Seek Him,” and together with our people, as we “Speak Him.” The four specific gifts of Christmas we want to “unwrap” this month are God’s gifts of hope, peace, love and joy. Let’s examine each of these gifts, look closely and see what God has for us personally in these presents. For each gift, we’ll start with a podcast introduction. I encourage you to listen along life’s way, at whatever time is convenient. We’ll tie in part of the Christmas story, then I’ll add some things God has shown me for you to pray over and ponder. The goal of each podcast is to encourage you with some Scriptures, thoughts and ideas that will equip you to then engage meaningful biblical conversations with those God has placed in your life. Each podcast goes along with a Devotion Driven Discipleship conversation, which you can find in the podcast show notes or in the following links here on the FDM website. The goal is for you to “Seek Him” – asking three questions: What? Why? and How? – then, based on what He shows you, turn around and “Speak Him” into the next generation He’s entrusted to you. Christmas is such a fun, meaningful season! This year, make it even more meaningful by intentional Devotion Driven Discipleship conversations with people that you love! Now go, unwrap these gifts: Gift #1: “Unwrap HOPE” – (click HERE for the conversation guide!) Start with this podcast about hope Gift #2: “Unwrap PEACE” – (click HERE for the conversation guide!) Start with this podcast about peace Gift #3: “Unwrap LOVE” – (click HERE for the conversation guide!) Start with this podcast about love Gift #4: “Unwrap JOY” – (click HERE for the conversation guide!) Start with this podcast about joy Remember, friend, you LEAD others where you have been or where you’re going. So, spend time with Jesus and “Seek Him” about these gifts. Then use the conversation guides to help you “Speak Him” to others you love and care about! I pray that you’ll be encouraged, challenged and blessed by these conversations this holiday season!!! ❤️ Tosha
