Consider those who excel at giving gifts. First, they take joy in finding what seems to be the perfect gift. Their excitement begins before any gifts are opened. I know this because my wife is an excellent gift giver, and she is filled with anticipation at the point of purchase. Second, these gift givers take joy in your joy, assuming you are quite pleased with the gift. Joy all around, with double joy for the givers.
We know that Jesus is the great gift giver. Whereas most kings receive gifts from the people, Jesus gave his people gifts, and his most excellent gift is the long-awaited Spirit. “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh” (Joel 2:28). Even before Jesus gives us the gift, you can detect the unleashed joy and overflowing generosity of the Father, Son, and Spirit. They found the exact right gift. It is perfect. The gift is the Spirit, and the Father, Son, and Spirit have all contributed to the surprise. Why? Their desire and joy have always been that the Spirit would “bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18).
Then we get to the actual giving
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