Christmas is a time of giving. We love to give, but let us be honest: it also feels good to receive. From my earliest recollection, I can remember the great anticipation that came with waiting for Christmas Day. The exhilaration of opening our toys and gifts brought much joy and excitement. It was just as thrilling when we saw our parents open their gifts from their children.
There was once a song that said, “All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth.” We laugh at that now because that is not true. We all enjoy getting gifts for Christmas.
Suppose I told you that there is something you can get this Christmas that would last a lifetime. Most things we receive for Christmas soon lose their luster. Batteries stop operating, toys break, clothes wear out and that new car smell soon dissipates. Before long the excitement for that gift has long gone. Not to mention that even though the gifts given at Christmas are long gone, credit card payments are due, and those payments can last for years.
Wisdom. I am sure we have all heard the word wisdom used in many ways. But why would I want wisdom for Christmas? It’s boring, it’s too academic, and it does not excite me. Christmas is supposed to be fun and a time of enjoyment. Wisdom is for the classroom, and I do not want that for Christmas.
Well, let me see if I can change your mind.
- Wisdom is free for the asking. It does not cost a penny!
- God is willing to give it to me.
- God’s supply of wisdom does not run out.
- God’s wisdom can do what I need in any circumstance of life.
What is wisdom? The Wikipedia definition of wisdom is “the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise.”
What does the Bible tell us wisdom is?
Proverbs 9:10: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of The Holy One is understanding. The word fear means to honor or to respect and give reverence to God.
Proverbs 2:6: For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
In this text, Solomon reminds us that the only true source of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding is the Lord Himself. He is the source of all wisdom. Proverbs 9:10 says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, so wisdom starts with knowing God and seeking Him in reverence. If God is the storehouse of these wondrous gifts and we have been encouraged to seek after them as great treasures, the only way we can get these formidable gifts is by asking and seeking them from God.
I remember as a little boy my parents would ask me what I wanted for Christmas. I had no doubt that they were able to provide my request. The same is true when we ask for wisdom from God. James 1:5-6 says, “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly.”
Every gift, no matter how big or how small, must have a purpose. We get clothes for people to wear, cars to drive, candy and food to eat, toys to play with, and houses to live in. All gifts are designed to accomplish a human need and purpose.
The same is true for wisdom. God provides us with wisdom so we can navigate through the twists, turns, and uncertainties of life. Wisdom is our guidebook. Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
Here we see the verb live which is the Greek word for walk. It is an imperative which denotes action or movement. In the Word, wise is the Greek word for skillfulness. A skillful and precise walk will give us the ability to make the right choices in life’s situations. Whatever we need or whatever we are going through, God tells us to seek Him for wisdom. As we seek God’s wisdom in our situation, He shows up and blows our minds. God allows us to experience that what the enemy meant for evil, God meant for good. We can see through the eyes of God’s wisdom in Romans 8:28: “That all things do work together for good for those who love Him and are called for His purpose.” We give God the glory as we experience the fulfillment and joy of seeing God’s wisdom at work in our situations.
What are the benefits of this free gift called wisdom?
When we focus on the word of God and seek his wisdom, we see life differently. We now see life’s circumstances, difficulties, and uncertainties through the eyes and mind of Christ. The value of godly decisions begins to matter more to us, and the standard of holiness becomes a strong desire. Ultimately, the pursuit of godliness, purity, and faithfulness is the only way to find joy and fulfillment.
With wisdom, we know how to control our tongues. With wisdom, we know how to forgive. With wisdom, we know how to live with each other. With wisdom, we know how to pray in difficult situations. With wisdom, we become more aware of the enemy’s devices, and with wisdom, we bring glory to God in our walk.
So, this Christmas maybe we should not say all I want for Christmas is my two front teeth. The most important thing I want this Christmas is wisdom.
Now one last thing I want to leave with you which is the hallmark of this discussion. Remember in Proverbs 9:10 the author Solomon shared that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This simply means that all wisdom starts with God. The way to God’s wisdom starts with knowing God. The Father desires to give us wisdom, however, no one can come to the Father except through His son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Why not repent of your sins and invite Jesus Christ into your heart today? The gift of salvation is the best gift you will ever receive. Your life will never be the same.
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