Prior to Christmas, parents often receive lists of what their kids want to see under the tree. And most of the time, out of love, parents try to grant their wishes. Since Christmas is actually a time to celebrate the birth of Christ, you may wonder what He wants as a gift.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

I Thessalonians 5:18

I Thessalonians 5:12-22 lists gifts that would please Christ. 1. Respect those who labor among you, esteeming them highly in love. 2. Get along with each other. 3. Encourage the fainthearted. 4. Patiently help the weak. 5. See that no one seeks revenge. 6. Seek to do good to everyone. 7. Rejoice always. 8. Pray without ceasing. 9. Do not quench the Spirit. 10. Hold fast to what is good. 11. Abstain from every form of evil. Finally, there’s the exhortation of today’s verse.

In the next few days, beside each item on “God’s wish list,” write a practical thing you can do in 2015. (You’ll find another “wish list” in the recommended reading.) Begin on this Christmas Day by praying for the nation to yield to His will and purpose.

Recommended Reading: I Thessalonians 4:1-12