Our Gift-Giving God - Encouragement for Today - October 22, 2025

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October 22, 2025

Our Gift-Giving God
MELISSA B. KRUGER

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“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights …” James 1:17 (CSB) 

“Am I just buying in to a materialistic culture?” The question weighed on my heart as I excitedly discussed with my husband what I’d bought each of our children for Christmas. I love giving gifts — especially to my children at Christmas. I’ve always enjoyed the process of thinking about what they need (like new toothbrushes) and what they’ll truly delight to receive (like Legos or a coloring set).

Yet I also know that material things can never truly satisfy. I know that soon after they are opened, new gifts quickly become old news. So while I hadn’t spent a lot of money on my children’s gifts, I still worried that they might miss the real reason for Christmas.

In response to my question, my husband wisely said, “It’s OK that you love giving gifts. It’s because you’re made in the image of a gift-giving God.” His two-sentence response is something I’ve pondered ever since.

The best gifts are thoughtful, take time to prepare, fulfill a need, produce delight, and are costly in some way. They say to the receiver, “I see you, love you, and care about you. I’m willing to sacrifice for you. Your joy brings me joy.”

There’s no better gift-giver than God Himself. The entire Old Testament points to a promised Messiah, telling of God’s people as they waited and wandered, hoping for Him to redeem the fall of Eden. Their deeds failed time and time again. They could not save themselves or restore what was broken. I know their struggle and share their neediness. We all do.

And then, at just the right time, a baby was born: God’s perfect gift to redeem the world. He saw our need. He cared for us. He wanted our joy. He loved us so much that He willingly gave His own Son so that we might become His children! It’s the costliest gift we’ll ever receive. Jesus is the Gift of all gifts.

In addition, Scripture says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). All the things we enjoy in this life — family, friends, sunshine, the ocean, the cheerful chatter of birds in spring — are gifts from our loving Father. He provides what we need, delighting in our joy. He’s a Father who loves to give gifts to His children.

Our earthly gift-giving is a reflection of our Father’s perfect love for His children. We can delight in giving good gifts — while always pointing one another to Jesus, the Gift of all gifts, for this life and the one to come. We rejoice together: “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15, CSB).

Father, thank You for Jesus, the Gift of all gifts, and for the many other gifts You give us to enjoy. Help us to see Your goodness today and worship You with grateful hearts. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

For a whimsical and fun way to share with children about why we give gifts at Christmas, grab a copy of Melissa B. Kruger’s new book, The Gift of All Gifts: Celebrating God’s Special Christmas Present for You.

ENGAGE

To find out more about free downloads to go along with the book, visit Melissa’s website or follow her on Instagram.

Enter to WIN your very own copy of The Gift of All Gifts by Melissa B. Kruger. To celebrate this book, Melissa’s publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by filling out the form here. {We’ll randomly select 5 winners and notify them via email by Monday, October 27, 2025.}

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (CSB).

What are some gifts from God that you can thank Him for today? Why is it so important to foster a grateful heart toward God?

Why is Jesus the Gift of all gifts? What is unique about His gift to us? Share your thoughts in the comments!

© 2025 by Melissa B. Kruger. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org