Wonderous gifts

ETERNAL TRUTHS must make sense in every season and every age. Some of these truths can be found in the giving of gifts.

In this season, we may give out of love, obligation, or tradition. Meanwhile, the world tries to seduce us with something more, bigger, and better. We’ve been conditioned to desire the shiny and new.

But if I fill myself with worldly desires, there’s not much room left for the Spirit. There’s not much room left for love.

What happens when you close your eyes and think truthfully? What do I really want deep down? From whom do I want it from?

Superficial voices might say they want a new car, house, or fancy clothes. But if you asked their heart of hearts, you would get a dramatically different answer. 

Maybe there’s a longstanding sadness or loneliness yearning for relief. Or maybe deep fear or anger eats away at you, and you just can’t stand it anymore. Perhaps you’ve condemned yourself — or someone else — for years, and the pain just won’t go away.

These desires all reveal an eternal truth. The greatest gift of all — the one we all want — is freedom. But hidden in this truth is an even deeper one: you were born free to choose. 

The world today tangles us up in all kinds of ideas, ideologies, and desires. The devil loves to distract and confuse us. But that thorn in your side — that thing that keeps you enslaved and impacts every relationship — it’s the same hurt that has driven us down the wrong path since the beginning of time.

It’s the hidden shame and envy — the desire to escape from the reality that God is love.

So you can cling to your sorrow or solitude. You can be consumed by pride and control. You can refuse to forgive. Or you can let these things go and be free. You were created with total freedom to choose.

Still, some might say, I just can’t. It’s too painful. It’s been too long. I’m afraid. The hurt runs too deep. I’m stuck. And surprisingly, this realization is a good thing.

When I admit that I can’t do it on my own — instead of being an obstacle — it opens up heavenly possibilities. 

God sees your struggle. He knows your heart. And he shows you by giving you the greatest gift of all. Himself. And if you choose to see yourself as you are — vulnerable, wounded, and capable of mistakes — then the Lord will give you everything you need to be free. 

He will carry you when you need to be carried. He will strengthen you when you need to remain firm. He will make your spirit steady, nimble, and quick. He will forgive you of every single sin.

The Lord gives you courage to face the accuser and say to him, Begone! You have no dominion over me anymore. I am no longer a slave. By the blood of Christ I am free.

And the Lord Jesus will show his resurrected wounds. And from there, his peace casts out all doubt and fear.

When Mary, the Virgin Mother, was carrying the baby Jesus in her womb, she fully understood her freedom. That’s why she cried out with great joy.

Her soul sang songs of praise to God. Her spirit rejoiced in her Savior. And she boldly proclaimed the prophecy of how the mercy of the Lord would extend from generation to generation.

We can choose to not believe and remain enslaved. Or we can accept the greatest gift found in truth and humility.

Trust and believe that God will do great things for you and in you. And carry his Spirit with you wherever you go.

. . . . . . .

Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
For he has looked with favor on his lowly servant;
from this day all generations will call me blessed.
The Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.

Luke 1:46-50

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