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THE PERFECT GIFT
Look to the Heavenly Gift

A Commentary by Constance Vanides

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the
Father of lights..."

(James 1:17)

Forever etched in my childhood memories are the Christmas mornings. I would wake up early with a great sense of expectation, excitement and wonderment. I knew there would be gifts under the brightly lit and decorated tree and many would be for me! I was never disappointed.

The years passed. And one day as an older adult I encountered those same feelings again. This time it wasn't Christmas. It was on the day I finally said, "yes" to God and surrendered my life to Jesus, allowing the Holy Spirit to take full charge of my life.

I had reached the point in my life where I knew there was more to being Christian than going to church, doing good works and trying to love people I really didn't even like!

I began to take the words of scripture seriously. Jesus Himself said, "And I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." (Luke 11:9,10)

What was I supposed to ask for? God had given me grace to receive the "free gift" from Jesus resulting in justification. (Romans 5:15,16) I had received God's gift of being saved through faith. (Ephesians 2:8) and the gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:23) What else was there to ask for?

I went back to the Gospel of Luke, chapter 11, verse 13: "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" The wonderful promise of God had spoken to me and I responded, "Yes, Jesus, baptize me with Your Holy Spirit!"

This heavenly gift of the Holy Spirit was what I needed! He continues to bring enlightenment, filling with His living water, nourishing, sustaining, power to minister now in life and forevermore! Truly, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights..." (James 1:17)

May your Christmas be filled with His peace and joy in the Perfect Gift!

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