Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.   James 1:17

When the sun is shining full and bright above, and the sun’s light falls upon me, it casts a shadow.

If there were no sun, there would be no shadow. If I were not coming in between the sun and the ground, there would be no shadow. Because I have blocked the sun, a shadow is cast. Yet without the sun, I would not even know a shadow is there.

If I move, the shadow also moves. We– people, that is– are like those shadows: shifting, changing, fickle. We change minds, interests, and even friends.

The language of friendship is not words but meanings.

The most I can do for my friend is simply be his friend.  — Henry David Thoreau

God is consistent in a changing world. His character is changeless. He does not shift as a shadow, does not turn in unexpected ways. He is constant; can be counted upon.

During this time of year, this verse from James stands out to me:

EVERY good and PERFECT gift is from the Father of heavenly lights above, who DOES NOT CHANGE like shifting shadows.

During this season, contentment may fall to the side, getting lost in the muddled hum of clinking ornaments and Christmas lists. It takes intention to stay focused on simpler virtues in a world that elevates wealth, owning, and winning.

Many around us perhaps do not know that this season is not about the lights decorating the tree or the house, the songs, the treats, parties, or the gifts.

One of the greatest gifts of this season is remembering that we worship a God who LOVES us unconditionally and unabashedly; a God who does not change or shift according to whim. He cannot be influenced politically or socially or economically. He simply loves and gives, without reservation.

This is indeed, a most perfect gift.

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Sharing with Laura at The Wellspring, Jen at Finding Heaven, Ruth at the Better Mom, and counting to 1000 at A Holy Experience:

966. kindnesses bestowed

967. Consistency of God (James 1:17)

968. hosting thanksgiving

969.  safe and fun trip to Illinois for a practice debate tournament

970. answers

971. questions

972.  a gift

973. paper snowflakes

974. E outgrowing his egg allergy

975.  an empty kitchen sink

976. homemade buttermilk blueberry pancakes

977. watching Sherlock with N

978. eyeglasses

979. stringed instruments