the only gift that keeps on giving

John 14:27(NIV)
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Jesus is the only gift that keeps on giving. And He gives not as the world gives. Which begs the question, "How does the world give?" Matthew Henry decribes it this way, "The world’s gifts concern only the body and time; Christ’s gifts enrich the soul for eternity: the world gives lying vanities, and that which will cheat us; Christ gives substantial blessings, which will never fail us: the world gives and takes; Christ gives a good part that shall never be taken away. The peace which Christ gives is infinitely more valuable than that which the world gives. The world’s peace begins in ignorance, consists with sin, and ends in endless troubles; Christ’s peace begins in grace, consists with no allowed sin, and ends at length in everlasting peace."

In this season of giving, I pause to reflect on the ever-giving, gift of Jesus who gives me ....
.... Himself, day after day, His mercies are new each morning.
.... Faith to stand firm on His promises.
.... Grace to face anything that comes my way.
.... Forgiveness for all of my sins.
.... Conviction that leads to repentance and wholeness.
.... Love that knows no bounds and embraces who I really am.
.... New life, transforming me through trials into His likeness.
.... Light that I might recognize the darkness in and around me.
.... Righteousness to stand before God the Father pure and clean.
.... Unhindered access to the very throne of God.
.... Meaningful work, to impact the world around me.
.... A new heart that beats with His Spirit.
.... His eyes to see what matters for eternity.
.... A family of believers to encourage and strengthen me.
.... Purpose beyond anything I could ask or imagine.
.... Confidence, that He will never let me go.

I'll stop now, because the list is endless.

Jesus gave Himself once and for all on the cross, the final sacrifice, but He continues to give, day after day. He is the only gift that truly keeps on giving.