Ever Get An Unwanted Christmas Present?

Ever Get An Unwanted Christmas Present?

Have you ever got one of those Christmas presents where you were like, "Oh great, thanks, you really shouldn't have." Some people say that you gotta be careful what you wish for, and that is true. I can recall as I got older there were a couple of times where I was asked what I wanted for Christmas and I would give an off hand answer which lead to a surprise under the Christmas tree. They were things that I had wanted and actually needed but not as fun as something covered in buttons and lights. God being the greatest gift giver of all time often gives us what we need instead of what we want (which is what we think we NEED). He has the ability to see inside us and challenge us with obstacles we think we can not handle. Many times this is true, we can't handle it, that's why we are supposed to call on him. He wants to be there for us. He wants to help us, so that we can see that we can become what he know we can become. I have an old hose and all my children find certain corners quite creepy. Once when taking things up the attic ladder I enlisted the help of my stepson. It was an awkward haul and he was scared. I could have let him quit and do it for him, but instead I stood by his side and guided him through the challenge. Now how has no problem whatsoever taking thins in and out of the attic. God is like that, he is always with us ready to help. All we have to do is ask and he will help us. He sent his son to teach and he sends the Holy Spirit out everyday to help us on our daily paths. Question is though do we accept and use these gifts or do we leave them in the corner unused while we curse each difficulty that we try to negotiate OUR WAY?

Luke 1:26-38
26In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!"29But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. 30And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." 34And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?" 35And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 36And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37For with God nothing will be impossible." 38And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.