Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 17

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17

Receiving Abundantly, Giving Freely

Are you a giver? Perhaps you still have gifts to buy or make before Christmas. I have a list of names to help me remember everyone I want to give something to. What would make them happy? What do they need? How can I show them that I love them?

For me, Advent can be a time of emotional instability. There are expectations—my own and others’. I love being a giver, but it can become overwhelming. Buying, baking, planning, preparing. And don’t forget to enjoy the moment! Then come memories of childhood, of home, of things and loved ones who used to be. This season carries a peculiar sense of longing and sadness. Joy and peace, frustration and chaos, disappointment and regret—all mixed together. I’m sure you have your own personal mixture. One thing is certain: I’m not perfect. I’m pretty sure you aren’t either.

At times like this, it’s good to stop and look up and away from myself to my heavenly Father. Who is he? James calls him the Father of the heavenly lights—the one who brought them into being. “By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth” (Psalm 33:6). He is the Creator.

He is also the Giver of every perfect gift. A wonderful world. Puppies and kittens. Children and grandchildren. Above all, he has given us his own Son. Jesus is the truly “good and perfect gift from above.” He came down from heaven to live among us, loved perfectly, and never once fell short.

My heavenly Father “does not change like shifting shadows.” He doesn’t have good and bad days. He doesn’t get moody or overwhelmed. He is constant and reliable.

My heavenly Father does not change. His attributes remain constant. He is love—and he loves me. I can’t do anything to make him stop loving me, no matter how I feel. He doesn’t change his mind about me. He loves me.

He also remains truthful and trustworthy. He keeps his promises. His mercy endures forever.

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). We have many things here on earth, but we are also heirs of heaven!

I love being a giver, and I can give because I am loved by the greatest Giver. I have all I need. Jesus lived a perfect life in my place. His perfect acts of giving have been credited to my account. My sins and shortcomings are paid for.

This Christmas, when the pressure of giving feels overwhelming, remember you are already perfectly loved by the One who gave his own Son. You can give freely because you’ve received abundantly—not just presents under a tree, but the perfect gift of salvation wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for not only being the Father of the heavenly lights, but also my Father. When I feel overwhelmed, remind me that in Jesus, you’ve already given me everything I need. Help me give to others from the abundance of your love. Amen.

Written by Rakel Drechsler