I love presents! I love to get them, of course, because, well, who doesn’t?! I admit that I do have more fun giving presents. I sort of hate the deadline of a holiday or birthday because I love the pursuit of something that I think someone will really love and that is specific to their likes and personality. Occasionally, I cannot find that before the “deadline.” The all-time bomb-diggity of present-giving-and-receiving, however, is when people give them to your children. To see your child’s joy at being loved and lavished with tangible representations of others’ affection for them sends you to the moon!

My daughter’s wedding is coming up soon. We have had the extreme blessing of loved ones giving wedding showers for her and her fiancée. In the Bible, various translations interchange the verb “shower” with “lavish.” When you see people lavish love on your child, there is a tidal wave of emotion that engulfs you when considering the joy and happiness being poured over them by the friends and family surrounding them.

I imagine that Jesus experiences this type of joy as He, our Creator, Savior, and King, lavishes love on us, His children. There is a faith film series called The Chosen that depicts Jesus’s life and ministry on earth. My favorite part of the show is watching the Jesus character smile and laugh with pleasure as He observes people’s joyous response to His touch, His words, and His miracles.  I can picture Him in heaven now, smiling as we accept the abundance that comes with a relationship with Him.  This abundance isn’t a material windfall, rather it is so much more!

• It is a showering of complete love that soaks us to the soul.
• It is an assurance that we are unconditionally
• It is an ever-present company that lets us know we aren’t alone.
• It is a power stronger than anything heaven and earth may dole out.
• It is a hope that this world isn’t all there is.
• It is grace that forgives us and saves us from the deserved punishment for our sins.
• It is a joy that supersedes any circumstance.
• It is the promise of an eternity that is more than we can ask for or imagine.

And all of this doesn’t scratch the surface of what we receive through Him! Talk about being LAVISHED with treasures!

“He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins. He has showered (lavished) His kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.” (Ephesians 1:7-8)

And after He soaks us with His shower of blessings, He gives more, and again!

“So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a lavish welcome into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Pet 1:10-11

David Crowder’s lyrics to his song Oh How He Loves Us says, “If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking”. Not only do we receive what we need from Him, but we are totally immersed in His Love. If you have never felt that kind of outpouring of affection before, let The Father give you your first taste of it. Our Lord knows full well how to give good gifts to His children! Not only does He get to see His kids receive the best gifts that money can’t buy, but He gets to GIVE them all! And it is His pleasure!