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Recently, we had a birthday in our family. I find it so interesting to see the birthday person’s reaction to their cards or gifts.

Sometimes they’re surprised. Sometimes they groan because they received a gag gift. Then there are times when they receive a very meaningful gift. Maybe it took many hours to make or it involved a lot of skill and artisanship. Or it might have cost the giver a great amount and the receiver recognizes this sacrifice.

Yet other times, some birthday boys or girls experience the forgetfulness of others. The day comes and goes without a word. Or they receive a gift that reveals how little the giver really knows about them. Or they receive a totally inappropriate or even hurtful gift.

Yet there’s one gift giver who never forgets our birthdays. He remembers us every day. He thinks of us, prays for us, walks with us and helps us. He personally sacrificed so that we could receive the greatest gift.

Consider 2 Corinthians 8:9 – “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”
Jesus left the riches of heaven for poverty of life on earth. He did this so that we could receive the rich gift of life with Him. But His gift giving didn’t stop there.

Luke 11:13 - If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Ephesians 4:7 – “But grace was given to each one of us according the measure of Christ’s gift.”
Ephesians 4:12 – “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and the teachers to equip the saints for the works of ministry.

Let’s rejoice today in the great gifts we have received from God. Then let us use them for His glory.
“Thank you Jesus for giving your life for us. You are the greatest gift we could ever receive. Help us to live with gratefulness. Help us also to give generously to others for your glory.”