Around this time of year, much of our attention is focused on gifts. Children are eager to see what presents they will receive on Christmas Day. And as adults, we too are focused on gifts in a different way. We are searching for the perfect gift for each person on our list. Of course, this also means that we have to purchase gifts, and then this leads to wrapping gifts. Much of our time in December can revolve around gifts.

As I was recently reading the verses above in the book of James, it reminded me of gifts in a different sense. Not just material items that we purchase, but the blessings in our lives. God is the giver of those gifts. He loves us beyond measure and enjoys showing us that love. Sometimes we might miss it, though. Because we are too focused on the material things right in front of us, we might overlook the spiritual blessings in our lives. Me might not see how God protected us, or how God paved a way for us in a certain situation. We might miss the way God provided for us, or how God opened a door for us. We have to be intentional about keeping our eyes open for these gifts. When we do, we will see so many ways that God has been there all along.

These verses also reminded me of something else. Maybe if you are like me, you worry about the future. There are so many things that can cause us to worry, from health to finances. And then when we look around at the world today, this brings more worry. But we have Almighty God beside us. He has been faithful to us in the past, He is faithful in the present, and He will be faithful in the future. That is who He is. He cannot deny His own character. James reminded us of this when He said God “does not change like shifting shadows.” This truth should bring us comfort and help us to put our worries into His hands.

This Christmas season, may we take time to open our eyes to all the ways the Lord has provided for us, protected us, and walked beside us. May we keep our eyes open for His goodness all around us. May we thank Him for His faithfulness yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

That is what Christmas is really all about. Not the gifts under the tree, but the gift of Jesus and how He has literally changed everything for us. He redeemed us and paid a debt we could never pay on our own. He brought us peace, hope, joy, and love. We need not worry about what is to come, because Jesus already won. We can take comfort in the arms of the Lord this Christmas season, and always.

Thank you for reading!