What reasons do I have to rejoice?

As I pondered over the question, "What reasons do we have to rejoice?" I started a list of truths about God. I tried to summarize with Creator, Savior, Character and Word, but then I had to add Promises, relationship, and provision. I realized that was not sufficient, I then wrote future, path, faith, hope and love. Surely, that is enough. No, I needed to add peace, wisdom and His Name. Then I realized I could never make a list long enough to cover all the truths I know of God that are worthy of praise. My heart dances at His goodness and that He is unfathomable and yet so knowable. I am so glad my leadership word for the year is rejoice... "For my heart rejoices in Him, because I trust in His Holy Name!" (Psalm 33:2). What truths of God do you need to rejoice over this day?

There are many responses to God's Gift of a Son

Gifts are meant to be received not taken. 

In my reflections, God made me realize that when He sent His Son to earth as a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes He was giving us a gift. But not everyone treated this precious gift the same.

Mary received the gift and agreed to be the LORD'S servant.

Joseph wanted to quietly walk away, but God gave him a message in a dream to not be afraid. He welcomed the gift of a son he did not plan for and a pregnant wife he would have to care for. He not only received the gift, but quietly honored and obeyed.

The shepherds listened to the heavenly chorus and then ran to go see for themselves. Once they saw God's gift of a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in the manger they ran and told everyone about what they had seen and heard. They chose to give the gift away.

Wise men from the east traveled a long journey to bless the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes that was introduced by a star. Their response was to bless and give good gifts in return.

When Herod heard, he wanted to take the gift and destroy it. He feared losing power power and fame. So he plotted in vain and when it didn't work out Herod punished everyone by killing their first born sons. 

Essentially, when a gift is offered we can receive it, welcome it, celebrate it, share it, bless in return, or we can take it, destroy it and hurt others in the process. 

This causes me to ask, How do I respond to God's good gift of a Son? 

Which one am I most like? 

Do I respond to His blessing as a servant? 

Do I seek to honor quietly in obedience? 

Do run to Him to check things out? 

Then do I run to tell others about all I have seen and heard? 

Do I seek to bless the giver? 

Or do I seek to destroy the gift and cause pain to others in the process? 

Practically, I find myself asking, am I a giver or a taker? 

Will those around me say I welcomed, received, and gave Jesus away as freely as I received Him? 

Will those around me say I was a taker and hurt others along the way?