Whether you celebrate a Traditional Christmas (December 25) or Hanukkah, known in Jesus’ time as the “Feast of Dedication” John 10:22 (ESV),
“At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter”
The “Feast of Dedication” was instituted by Jude Maccabeus, to commemorate the purification of the temple from the profanations to which it had been subjected by Antiochus Epiphanes 165 B.C., and kept for eight days, from the twenty-fifth Chisleu (December), the day on which Judas began the first joyous celebration of it (1 Maccabees 4:52,56,59; and Josephus, Antiquities, 7.7.7). This all took place in the 400 year inter-testament. Jesus was possibly in Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication. Certainly He was there to declare that he was indeed the “light’ of the world come to save men. He also later declared during this trip oneness with the Father (John 10:30 (ESV).
“I and the Father are one.”
, Jesus is the most wonderful “gift” we have ever received from the Father. This giving is shown by the words of Jesus in John 3:16-17 (ESV).
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him..”
The Father is the source of all super-natural gifts. I love verse 17, the Father’s purpose is always toward redemption and maturity. No one gets a lump of coal from the Father in judgement. He is the source of love and is why our desire is to love and give, 1 John 4:19 (ESV)
We love because he first loved us.
We desire to love and give because it is innate in our redeemed DNA since we’re created in His image. The unredeemed robs, kills and destroys like their father the devil.
Perhaps one of the most recognizable Christmas carol is “The 12 Days of Christmas”. Did you ever wonder how much it cost the one who bought all the gifts? Well, someone with way too mush time on His hands figured it out. Under 2021 cost of living, buying all of the gifts, as it was sung would cost $179,454.19 (USD). I’m not sure his “true love” would be that anymore as she would be left to take care of 178 birds not to mention taking care of all the cows being milked by the maids. I recently heard Jeff Foxworthy sing the “Redneck 12 Days of Christmas”. Pretty funny and a lot cheaper. The Father gives us exactly what we need to fulfill our purpose here on earth.
The Apostle Paul recognizes the generosity of the Father in Ephesians 4:8 (ESV)
“Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and He
gave gifts to men.”
The “Five-fold” ministries are defined as the gifts He gave to the church with the sole purpose of bringing the church into the mature image of the Son. The truth is that everything God has done and is doing is a gift from the Father designed to provide and supply for every need we have. James the earthly brother of our Lord said this is his letter to the church in James 1:17 (ESV)
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change”
The word “perfect” is the word τέλειος (telios) which is an adjective, derived from 5056 /télos, "consummated goal") – mature (consummated) from going through the necessary stages to reach the end-goal, i.e. developed into a consummating completion by fulfilling the necessary process (spiritual journey). See 5056 (telos). This root (tel-) means "reaching the end(aim)." It is well-illustrated with the old pirate's telescope, unfolding (extending out) one stage at a time to function at full-strength (capacity effectiveness). (Bible-Hub)
Thus, the gift He gives us the enablement to become a perfect reflection. All it takes is the acceptance of this wonderful gift and the willingness to allow the Holy Spirit, another wonderful gift to complete His work in us. Perfect also has the knowledge that each one is particular to the receiver as to what is needed for each individual believer. Just as we look for the perfect gift (thank the Lord for gift cards) for a loved one, The Father gives us the perfect gift for each one of us. So as you look for the “perfect gift” for a loved one, remember and take a moment in gratitude for the Father’s perfect gift just for you.