Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above,
coming down from the Father of lights,
with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth,
so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
- James 1:17-18
The activities of the season are well-established. Gifts are being purchased, roads and shopping centres are getting busier, and parcels are being shipped. My family spent Saturday setting up and decorating our Christmas tree. My job is lights - unravelling the strands from last year’s storage and stringing them on the tree. I must say, it’s amazing to behold their gentle glow.
Sometimes people get overwhelmed by Christmas: “Why can’t it be simpler?” “Why does it have to be so extravagant?” they ask.
And there is wisdom in asking such questions. But from another perspective, the generous giving of Christmas is a reflection - a reflection of God’s generosity toward humanity. “Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
We are so blessed by God’s good giving. Our lives overflow with evidence of God’s benevolence and so we give thanks. When we share gifts with one another we reflect God’s giving nature. We let our lights, however small, shine as an imperfect reflection of the father of heavenly lights. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Truth - the coming of Jesus to earth. And the gifts we give are a small reminder of his coming. Of course they are generous. Of course the season is extravagant.
May the Advent and Christmas seasons be, for you, a time of reflection, celebration, and gratitude. For indeed, every perfect gift that is yours has come from above.
