The Lord says, "Freely ye have received, freely give." Let us not think of what He gives, but rather at how He gives. 

At Christmas time many people talk about "having the Christmas spirit." Let us take a look at what that really is. 

The Lord gives: indiscriminately - to all kinds, rich or poor, to all races, to all nations, to whosoever may come, and take the water of life freely (Rev. 22:17). Undeservedly - Surely those that continually sin, that show hatred of God by disobedience and lack of concern for His glory, surely they deserve nothing but His just wrath. Unexpectedly - Who could expect such mercy, such love, such kindness from One who had been treated so badly by them? Lovingly - Who has ever seen such love; love that will suffer long, year after year , and still continue to give the person good things even though he, or she, is evil (Matt. 26:50). Willingly - The Lord considered the doing of the will of the Father as necessary to Him, and pleasant, as eating (Jn. 4:34). Gladly - This is why He did it with great delight as David (Psa. 40:8). No other giving is acceptable to God (Deut. 28:47-48). Constantly - The Lord was always giving of His time, energies, gifts, and graces. Freely - This does not mean just without cost, but a giving without a condition in the receiver (Rom. 3:24-26, Rev. 22:17), a giving, expecting nothing in return (Lk. 6:35). Secretly - The Lord does not boast or brag about His giving, but only gives glory to God. He works secretly in the soul, and His giving is only known by its fruits in the life of the person (Gal. 5:22-23). Richly - He gives life, justification, sanctification, forgiveness of sins, wisdom, understanding, power, love, joy, peace, comfort, grace, and glory - all things. What price could one put on these things? They are priceless. Completely - The Lord held nothing back. He gave Himself completely and totally for us, even unto death (Rom. 5:8-10). 

As you and I examine our giving it will be easy to see how far short we come in comparison. But let us not be discouraged. Let us seek grace from the Lord to give as He gives, more and more. 

May we have a heart like David's who could say truthfully, "Neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which does cost me nothing" (II Sam. 24:24). 

May we really have the "Christmas spirit" this year.