'Tis The Season

    We are quickly moving into the "Gimme Season." More than at any other time of the year, we see people making lists of gifts they would like to receive. Children are encouraged to search the catalogs and toy stores for that one special treasured gift.  The W's focus is on the new and latest toys.  Each manufacturer hopes his toy will become the hottest new toy on the market.
   Do you remember seeing pictures of women fighting in the toy stores for Cabbage Patch Dolls? There were reports of people flying to France to buy this coveted doll for their child.  I wonder where all those Cabbage Patch Dolls are today.
   Do you enjoy giving and receiving gifts? There is a special joy in giving gifts to loved ones, but do you remember what gifts you gave and received last Christmas? I decided to list all the gifts I received in the last year. However, after thinking for a while, my list was very short--not because I didn't receive some wonderful gifts but because my memory is so inadequate.
   Now, a list person doesn't give up easily! Consequently, I changed the direction of my thoughts and I came up with a wonderful list. This list, by far, is the greatest one I have ever had the privilege to compile.
    I am reminded that "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:17) The first and most important gift on my list is eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 6:23).
   Because of God's gift of eternal life, my list of spiritual blessings just grew and grew:

Love - I John 3:1
Mercy - Titus 3:5; Hebrews 4:16
Peace - 2 Thessalonians 3:16;  John 14:17; Philippians 4:7
Strength - Philippians 4:13;  2 Corinthians 12:9;  Psalm 27:14
Forgiveness - I John 1:9
Grace - James 4:6;  2 Corinthians 9:8
Hope - Colossians 1:27;  John 14:2-4
Joy - John 15:11
Faith - Hebrews 11:1-3
Guidance - Psalm 32:8
Instruction - John 14:26
Wisdom  - James 1:5; 3:17
Comfort - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Comforter – John 14:16
       
As I review my list, my heart rejoices at all God has given me. I've shared just a portion of the list with you. Why not make your own list? Let me warn you as you search the scriptures, your heart will be encouraged and blessed. [M. R. Flatt] 

"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." 2 Corinthians 9:15