Where Do Gifts Come From? – November 23, 2022

Read: James 1:16-18

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

Where Do Gifts Come From?

Family Devotion – November 23, 2022

Devotion based on James 1:17

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we’re entering that time of year when one thought is on the minds of many people—gifts! The countdown until Christmas will begin almost before the leftovers find a place in the fridge. People will start looking for sales to get that special gift for that special someone in their life. Wish lists will go out to parents, grandparents, and other family and friends. Busy shoppers will fill stores and malls or go searching online.

There will soon be so much focus on gifts that we can forget about the giver of all those gifts. We can forget where every gift we receive comes from. Gifts come from family, friends, neighbors, classmates, even kind strangers, but who gives them the ability to give those gifts? Who gives them the desire to give those gifts? Who gives you all the gifts and blessings you need to live your life—not just those gifts beautifully wrapped for birthdays or Christmas?

In God’s Word, James tells us that “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” Where do gifts come from? From God, our heavenly Father. He loves us deeply. He cares for each and every one of us more than we can possibly imagine. What’s behind every good act of giving from someone who cares about us? Our heavenly Father. What does every perfect gift that provides what we need prove? That our heavenly Father is behind it. Where does every blessing come from in our lives? It comes from our heavenly Father. That includes everything we need to live our lives—clothing, food, home, school, church, friends, family, and so much more.

In fact, our heavenly Father is the source of the greatest gift that we and all people have received—the gift of a Savior from sin and death. While we will hear much more about this at Christmas when we celebrate his birth, Jesus is God’s greatest gift to us. Jesus gives us forgiveness, peace, help, and hope. Jesus gives us strength for our lives now and life eternal with him in heaven. Isn’t that amazing?! It proves that God is behind every good and perfect gift. He is the source, the giver who knows what we need most and best all throughout our lives. Before we go searching for gifts to give or get, let’s give thanks to God for giving us his amazing grace!

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, you are the source of every good and perfect gift. Open our eyes to see your love for us behind the kindness of others and behind every perfect gift we receive. Guide us to give thanks to you every day for every gift we receive from your gracious hand. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • Why do you get so excited about getting a gift?
  • Name two gifts that God gives to you.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Explain this statement: Every good and perfect gift is from above.
  • Name two ways that God can bless other people in your life through you.

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Compare and contrast our typical “me, my, mine” attitude about gifts with God’s attitude about gifts in today’s devotion.
  • Explain how knowing that God is the source of every gift can actually make you more thankful for every gift you receive.

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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