As we begin our series on “ReGifting” with an epistle lesson that we had earlier in this Church Year, specifically the 2nd Sunday of the season of Christmas. This provides us with an ample opportunity to talk about the Gift of God, Jesus Christ. In July, it is sometimes even hard to remember what we got for Christmas, much less be truly thankful for it. Yet Paul’s letters to the Ephesians begins with a reminder of the Gift that we have been given in Christ. As we hear the Gospel lesson, we see an ironic twist on the sense of gift as Herodias’ daughter asks for a “gift” of John the Baptist’s head, and we hear the Psalmist asking for a “regifting” of God’s favor and mercy

Spiritual Blessings in Christ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:3-14 ESV)