Rhema Christmas Devotionals 2022 - Dec 7 Unwanted gifts  I am the kind of person that loves to give good gifts; it is one of my love languages. Perhaps you are not that way inclined, but imagine this: this Christmas you have gone over and above to give these special people in your family the most unique presents to each of them. You've thought carefully about each one, wrapped each one ever so individually and you watch and wait in anticipation to see the delight on their faces. One person opens theirs, they see half the present and quickly rush outside to play with it, leaving the rest tucked away in the wrapper. Another rips open the present, takes one look at their gift and then looks outside and bursts into tears believing their brother’s gift is superior. The third person picks up the present and puts it next to them. You watch them eagerly but as they talk, eat, joke and sip their drink, they soon forget it is there. Only when months have passed do you notice the gift is unopened in the closet and you sigh.  And the last person won’t even take the present out of your hand. They dodge eye contact and look out the window and you weep.  This is what God must feel like. He has handpicked gifts to give to each of his children; some sporting, some musical, some incredible empathy, some artistic, some mathematical, some the gift of hospitality. Yet some of these gifts don’t get recognised, some are looked at with disdain when compared to others, some are half used, some don’t even get opened and the biggest gift, the gift that took Jesus’s whole life, that doesn’t even get accepted.  So when you think about the season of giving and presents that are exchanged, take a moment to remind yourself of the greatest and most beautiful exchange: Jesus’ death on the cross instead of you and I. And then, think about the other lavish gifts he’s given you? How are you unique? What makes you special? Are you using those God given talents to bless others and make a difference in this world? Are you stuck believing others are better off than you because they have something different. Are your gifts undiscovered? Are they unwrapped? This gift in you was bought with more thought and care and paid for with a price that you can’t even imagine, so please don’t leave your present unopened.  Romans 12:6-8: ‘We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.’