Christmas

Last night Charlene and I attended the Michael W.  Smith Christmas concert. One of our sons gave this opportunity as a Christmas gift. We had a wonderful time listening to some of the old Christmas music from our era. It was such a great evening to spend together.

I love Christmas. The lights, sounds, and smells are so unique to this time of the year. The crisp air, leaves falling, and the changing of the landscape is beautiful (except when I lived in south Florida and it was still very warm!). Christmas is a time of expectation. Families get together to share a meal and stories of bygone years. There is just something unique about Christmas.

I have heard it said that, "Christmas is a time when you spend money that you don't have to buy for people you don't like and presents they don't need!" I am sure that is not the case. It is a time to show our love to family and friends. But there is one gift that rises above all other gifts. It is a gift that could only be given by One being. A gift that could only be wrapped in a special adornment. A gift that would last for all eternity and be available to everyone. A gift that would meet the deepest need of all who would receive it. The precious gift of God's Son, Jesus Christ. The Savior of the World.

I imagine that on Christmas Day all the gifts under the tree are given out and opened. I dare say that not a single gift is neglected. Or is it? God has given His greatest gift but many leave it unopened. Some say they will consider opening it in the future when they have time. Others may say that they just can't deal with this gift at this moment. Many don't trust in the gift or even believe it is a true gift from God. And still others deny that there is even a gift there at all. And yet, sitting there is the greatest gift wrapped in God's love for every person.

So the gift is left unopened. It waits for a willing receiver to take it in their hands and unwrap the gift of eternal life. All through the year the gift remains unmoved, undisturbed. Throughout the coming year people walk by the gift and think about it. They may even pick it up and shake it a little. Tempted to remove the bow and tear the wrapping but gently putting it down for another time. The gift doesn't spoil or lose its value. It simply sits and waits.

Maybe this year you will open the greatest gift of all. It might be that you share this great gift with others. Help them take it in their hands and gently unwrap the future of their life. It could be that God uses you to pre-sent the present. Introduce someone to God's greatest gift. I heard it said that God's greatest gift is wrapped in a person!

From the Heart,
Pastor BR