Guest blogger: Dawn Levene - The gift of God

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies are new every morning, great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Every morning, God can be like Christmas morning. From the moment our eyes open, we have an opportunity to know a love that surpasses any gift we have ever been given. From the time our feet hit the ground, we can experience the perfect and pleasing plan the Lord has laid before us.

As we celebrate this Christmas season, as the excitement of Christmas morning approaches, as we look forward to the opening of gifts, the food on the table, spending time with friends and family, all of this can bring a feeling of love, laughter, excitement and happiness. As I was reflecting on this excitement, I asked myself this question: Shouldn't this be the same feeling of excitement and anticipation we have each day or each morning as we spend time with God? Shouldn't every morning be like Christmas when we know God?

His desire for us is to experience his gifts and his love all the days of our lives. Is there a greater love than someone laying down their life so that we might know the love of God and have eternal life? Can we orient our thoughts so that each day with God is like Christmas morning, more exciting than the day before, as we experience his love, and as we open the gifts he has for us that day.

His mercies are new every day; they never come to an end. Let us purpose in our heart that each morning with God can be like Christmas morning. From the moment we open our eyes, we have an opportunity to experience a love that surpass any other gift. Every day is a chance to receive more and more grace.

And as we open our gifts this Christmas morning, let us reflect on the most important gift of all, the gift of our Savior. And more importantly, let us give the gift that surpass all other gifts, the gift of love. The true gift of Christmas was born in a stable on Christmas morning. It is Jesus, and the peace, love, and joy He brings to our heart and lives. Jesus brings hope to the world.

Have a very blessed season.