16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NIV

What a blessing you have been during our journey to the manger! Dear Reader, I pray seeking, going, and watching have brought you closer to the Babe who patiently looks forward to our "Giving".

What's been on your Christmas shopping list this year, Dear Reader? A toaster for one, an art book for another, princess Legos? If you could give any gift to a loved one, what would it be? A cruise, college tuition, a new car?

1 John (4:19) tells us that we love because God loved us first. Perhaps we are blessed in giving to the ones we love because...

God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.John 3:16 NIV

Dear Reader, over and over God shows how much he loves us by giving. Studying John's gospel has allowed me to ponder and praise God for his love. Chapter sixteen tells us of God's promise to give when we seek:

“This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I’ve revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he’ll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!"John 16:23-24 MSG

Our heavenly Father wants us to ask so he can give. How fantastic is that! And what does he expect in return? Only what he knows is best for us:

“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, ..." Deuteronomy 10:12 RSV

​We've almost finished our journey together, Dear Reader. The manger lies just ahead. Our Heavenly Father gave us his very best gift of by giving his Son, Jesus Christ. Are we ready to give him our best gift in return?

Hi from your neighbor at Coffee For Your Heart. Thanks for sharing these scriptures. Giving is always such a blessing, yet I confess I don't make it as much of a priority throughout the year as I should. Hoping to be better at this in the new year.

Thanks for stopping by, Jean! My mom loved giving gifts whenever she got the chance. She showed me the joy is in the giving, not receiving. I'm happy her model continues to bless me, and now my kids and grandkids. Prayers for joy and success in giving.

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​Hi, my name is Alice. A Way with Words is about sharing faith,​fun, & encouragement. Thanks for stopping by! I hope you find a little something to take​with you.