What’s in God’s Stocking?
by Linda Hoffman
Christmas is coming.
And while the holidays can be complicated, I think most of us can agree that there’s something wonderful about Christmas morning. It’s a time when we’re supposed to be kind, selfless, and giving. We think about each other and try to make someone else feel special, and that’s a beautiful thing.
Just about all people do this, whether they’re religious or not, and it’s fittingly called “the most wonderful time of the year.” But it all started with the “Christ” part of Christmas.
Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to leave God out of it during the holiday that’s supposed to celebrate the birth of His Son. I got to thinking about this one year as I was getting the stockings, and I thought, “All of this time I spent on others, but I never thought about Jesus – and this is His day!” I don’t mean to sound overly sentimental, but why doesn’t God get a stocking? Shouldn’t we be thinking about what to get Jesus for Christmas?
Of course, God is perfect. He doesn’t have any needs, but we can give Him offerings. In fact, He wants us to! So this year for Christmas, I propose that each of us puts four “things” in God’s stocking:
1.) Someone to Love
Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.
- Matthew 25:40, KJV
God created everyone. He loves everyone, and when we show love to the people He’s made, we honor Him. It can make all of the difference.
Ask the Lord who you ought to love for Him this Christmas. Then, write down that person’s name and be intentional to do kind, thoughtful things for them – and pray for them, too. Even when you don’t feel like it, remember to be like Jesus to this person because it’s an offering to God.
2.) Someone to Forgive
Forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
- Ephesians 4:32
We all get hurt, and we all hurt others, but God made the first move. He forgave us when we didn’t deserve it, so we ought to forgive others. Close your eyes and pray, “Lord, is there any resentment I’m holding against someone? Is there anyone I need to forgive?” If you can think of a name, write it down.
Offenses happen to everyone. It may have been someone who overlooked you, was cruel to you, or kept you from receiving something good. Whatever it is, forgive them.
Now, if this person in question abused your trust, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you invite them back into that trust. If a fox guards the henhouse, then eats half of the chickens, forgiveness doesn’t mean asking him to guard the henhouse a second time. What it means is basically that you give up bitterness in your heart and any desire for that person’s ill-fate. Come to a place where you can truly desire God’s glory and their good.
3.) A Truth to Accept
And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.
- John 8:32
Living God’s way, according to His principles and commandments, is contrary to our fleshly impulses. As you spend time in the Word, attend home group, or receive advice from a parent or mentor, ask God to reveal a truth that you need to accept. Write it down so you remember – and make sure it lines up with Scripture.
4.) A Lie to Reject
For you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of light.
- Ephesians 5:8
What is something you know isn’t true according to God’s Word but you’ve held onto? This could be a lie about who you are:
- “You’ll never amount to anything.”
- “No one likes you.”
- “It’s pointless to try.”
- “I’m ugly.”
- “I’m stupid.”
These lies are vicious and untrue! God says you are fearfully and wonderfully made, that He crafted you and you have a purpose. It is in recognizing who God is that we can understand ourselves.
The lie could pertain to sin in your life:
- “This is okay.”
- “I can get away with this.”
- “The Bible says not to… but God and I have an understanding.”
- “This person deserves to be hated.”
Pray and ask God to reveal a lie that you are believing. Write it down, then find out what Scripture says. Trust in what God tells us and get rid of the lie.
In Real Life
Putting things in God’s stocking can be a helpful mental exercise, but this Christmas I’d encourage you to get a literal stocking, write down these four offerings to God, and put them inside of it. Then, make sure you carry out what you committed to do, because it’s better not to make a vow than to make one rashly (Ecclesiastes 5:5).
After all, this holiday is about Jesus. So let’s honor Him. God should have a stocking, too.
