We all probably have a favorite gift we have given and received. Those are the good gifts.

We also have a least favorite gift we have given and received. Those are the bad gifts….or are they?

Sometimes those make the best stories…later. Sometimes MUCH later.

I remember the year I got a lacy slip from my grandmother and a sweater set from my aunt. My two brothers and five male cousins all received toys and games. I was the only granddaughter and niece so they wanted to give me girly presents. I wanted toys like the boys.

I cried when I opened my gifts.

I smile about this now since I am the grandmother, trying to pick the “good” gift for each child and grandchild. I understand why my grandmother and aunt chose those gifts.

I have never wanted to get an appliance or cooking utensil as a gift. I have two daughters who love just such gifts. Each of us is unique, aren’t we? What we see as a good gift varies from person to person. Sometimes we hit it just right, sometimes we don’t.

Our heavenly Father knows how to give good gifts.

Matthew 7:9-11

⁹ “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? ¹⁰ Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! ¹¹ So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

Do we know how to give good gifts to our children?

As a loving parent I DO NOT give my child (or grandchild) everything they ask for. Some of the things children ask for are not safe, practical, or appropriate.

A good gift is a gift that blesses someone.

The amazing thing about a good gift is that it may not be something we would never think to ask for. We don’t recognize the gift as good – even perfect  – until we have received it.

We will never recognize a gift as “good” if we are comparing our gift to someone else’s gift. I would have thought very differently about my sweater set if I have not been fixated on my brothers’ toys.

How do we respond to our Heavenly Father’s gifts to us?

Am I thankful for the gifts God has blessed me with, or do I only see with longing what others have?

God’s greatest gift – His GOOD GIFT – is Jesus. We celebrate this magnificent gift at Christmas. Jesus is the perfect gift because our Father, who created us, knows exactly what we need and desire. He knows even when we do not.

God demonstrated His great love for us by giving His Son, Jesus.

May our gifts to our children and grandchildren reflect that love.