Good Gifts

What makes for a good gift?

Having just completed another Christmas season where many families gathered and exchanged presents, I wonder about how we decide which gifts were “good” and which ones were not.

Is a good gift anything that is not returned or exchanged for something else? Is a good gift one that gets put to use right away? Is a good gift something that brings even just a few moments of joy and smiles?

There are different philosophies on this. I know some would say a present should be fun—something you wouldn’t normally splurge and purchase for yourself. Others would say a good gift is something that is helpful, useful, or otherwise practical.

Whatever else might be said, surely we can all agree that most any gift is made “good” based upon the source and the intent. The little child who has worked hard on their art offers a priceless gift to their par- ents. The gift given in love with the intent of making the recipient joyful is a treasure.

With this in mind, we are once again reminded that our holy God is wonderful and perfect.

The Heavenly Father knows just exactly what His children need. He is the most practical of all gift givers.

The Heavenly Father knows just exactly what will bring His children joy. He is the most extravagant of all gift givers.

Simply put, God is the greatest of all gift givers (Matt. 7:11; John 3:16).

“He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?” (Rom. 8:32)

“Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15)