The Gift of Receiving
We have officially begun the Christmas season! On the 1st of December, many households put up their Christmas tree. Whilst procrastinators like me were forced to quit chill-axing and get interested.
But as Christmas Day approaches, I have found myself thinking about how it seems so easy to give and receive gifts at Christmas time. It’s a socially sanctioned time for the giving and receiving of gifts. But outside of those times ordained by general society, I know that some of us really struggle to receive gifts. It’s not that we don’t like what has been purchased, but the act of receiving is awkward.
For some receiving a gift exposes vulnerabilities. There is a multilayered subconscious assessment taking place as someone places that gift in your hand intended to bring joy.
The assessment might cover such questions:
Can I really accept this? Freely?
Shouldn’t I be buying them a gift?
How much did they have to sacrifice to get this?
These kinds of questions can demonstrate the underlying value assessment that we are making. Am I worthy of such a gift? And do I deserve this?
If we experience such emotions when we are given material gifts, imagine how we must respond to a God who gave His life? In my early faith days, I would read the New Testament passages where Paul seems to be still harping on about faith-based salvation and wonder “Why would they still be struggling with this?” If the frequency of Paul’s musings on this subject were any indication, it would seem as though it was a little too easy to return to a works-based-salvation mindset. But our discomfort with receiving such a significant gift demonstrates the underlying reasons we might still try our luck at works-based salvation. If we can prove to ourselves at least in part that we are good enough to have this gift than at least we won’t feel so vulnerable. At least we won’t feel so utterly helpless.
Unfortunately, we miss a really significant factor when we are distracted by our worthiness during a gift exchange. The interaction is not supposed to be the focal point of giving gifts. The GIFT...is the point. Whilst I am standing gift in hand, trying to work out whether I am worthy and whether I need to tip the scales to feel equal to the gift giver...I fail to take in the gift. Jesus is the greatest gift we could ever receive, but I can’t see that when I am focused on me and how I feel as a result of my helplessness.
If I were to be given a large box and open it up only to reveal the cutest caramel furred puppy, just for me, my questions of worth wouldn’t even enter my mind. I surely would scrunch my face up with joy, my voice would jump up 3 octaves and I would squeeze that poor puppy way too tightly. Because there are some gifts that silence all questions about worth and deservedness. To fully behold what that gift represents, compels us to worship and praise. Jesus is that type of gift. This is why being able to simply receive a gift, is a gift in itself. Being able to receive such gifts, allow you to see the gift in all its glory. Receiving Jesus and considering what you have actually received in relationship with Him, will compel you to worship and praise Him. Are you not feeling compelled to worship and praise this Christmas? Or are you tired of trying to earn a gift that can only be received? I encourage you to take a closer look at the gift.