“Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?”
I’ve heard this question at least ten times since the start of December. Christmas is known as the season of giving. All around the world, gifts are given and received. While some have compared this heartwarming practice to the Bible story of the three wise men from the East, gift giving can become a stressful endeavor. It’s all too easy to get distracted by the holiday crowds and spending more money on presents than you planned.
While you’re busy preparing to give gifts to family and friends, have you ever paused to consider asking the greatest gift-giver of all for something this Christmas?
The Bible tells us that God is a good Father who delights in giving his children gifts—when we ask:
“Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks will receive, and anyone who seeks will find, and the door will be opened to those who knock. Would any of you who are fathers give your son a stone when he asks for bread? Or would you give him a snake when he asks for a fish? As bad as you are, you know how to give good things to your children. How much more, then, will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”
Matthew 7:7-11 GNT
As you prepare to celebrate Christmas and remember the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ, here are four spiritual blessings you can ask God for this holiday season and throughout the year.
Peace
“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.”
John 14:27 GNT
Exhausted and worried after a difficult year? God can grant you peace unlike anything our world has to offer. When you feel worried or afraid, ask God for the peace he provides through prayer and his Word.
Wisdom
But if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all.
James 1:5 GNT
The start of a new year often comes with unique challenges. Maybe you’re considering a move, trying to find the right words to share with a struggling friend, or discerning a call to serve God in a new ministry area. If you’re unsure of what to do next, ask God to provide you with the wisdom you need to follow his leading.
Faith
The apostles said to the Lord, “Make our faith greater.” The Lord answered, “If you had faith as big as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Pull yourself up by the roots and plant yourself in the sea!’ and it would obey you.”
Luke 17:5-6 GNT
Like the disciples, you might often wish your faith was bigger. But Jesus tells us that even a small amount of faith can yield great results. Ask God to grow your faith, trust in him, and look forward to seeing how he works in your life!
Grace
Let us have confidence, then, and approach God’s throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it.
Hebrews 4:16 GNT
Many times, we can feel frustrated or discouraged in our daily lives. But God invites us to approach him and ask for grace in difficult moments. Because of him, we can flee from sin and love the people around us like he does. Ask God to help you grow in grace so that you can better love your family, friends, and neighbors.
