by J. Randal Matheny

I confess: I'm the world's worst at buying gifts. OK, so I'm not attentive enough, too selfish to notice others, stick me with the label you will, and I'll own up to it.

They say the best gift is one that fits the receiver's interests, needs, and preferences.

That's the way that God gives -- at least, at the core. But once you think again, God's a lousy giver, too. He doesn't often give what we want, certainly doesn't give according to our preferences, nor what we often perceive our needs to be.

Whether it be the gift of salvation in his Son, or the gift of discipline and trials, we often exclude these things from our long list registered at the corner church.

God gives what he wants most to give. Summed up, he gives himself, his own heart, his own presence. And what we most need, but seldom recognize.

This Christmas, I, the world's worst giver, am going to try to be a "lousy" giver like God. And give more of myself and him to family, friends, neighbors, and strangers.

And not only on Christmas, but every day.

"Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15, ESV).