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“Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above…” -James 1:7

A few weeks ago, my husband, Tom and I attended a couple’s wedding shower for our niece and her future husband, and this week we are attending a couple’s baby shower for another niece and her husband, which is a first for us. I am on the hunt for the perfect gift for the shower. One which they will use every day and it will make their life better when they use it. It will give them joy. Sometimes I use the internet to figure out the best gift, and so far on the top lists for baby gifts my two possible choices are a Soothie Snuggle Pacifer Holder and a Comotomo Baby Bottle. I am always fascinated and impressed with how new creative perfect gifts continue to be invented for babies to help make parents lives easier. 

God has sent us the perfect gift. In the reading this week from James, he reminds us that God gave us birth through the word of truth. New life is an amazing miracle. A gift worthy of celebration. New life in Christ is a good and perfect gift because we can use it every day. It makes life better and fuller, more joyful. The reading from James makes it clear a gift is not good unless we use it. Just because Christ is given to us, we do not benefit unless we fill our lives with the love of Christ. Fill our lives so full that Christ’s love is running over and spilling out everywhere joyfully. Our lives become a celebration of Christ’s power and presence which is love, mercy and compassion. When it spills into every part of our lives it of course brings joy and hope rises. 

We hear in the reading this week the encouragement to humbly accept the word planted in us, and let Christ grow in us. We are called to nourish it, protect it and let hope rise. The new life in us will reflect God’s love that is quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. We share God’s gift of new life when we can love one another as God has loved us. Amen.