THE REAL GIFT

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"

-2 Corinthians 9:15

All forms of shopping has been going on as we have been in preparation for Christmas Day. Gifts are the main attraction, and the idea of finding something for everyone has been the #1 goal of the month. But let's not forget the greatest gift ever given.

Amazing gifts can come in small packages: It goes without question that children and adults alike tend to gravitate to a large gift that's wrapped perfectly. The bigger the box or bag, the greater the gift right? That may or may not be true all of the time, but the best that was given to everyone came in the form of a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, also known to be burial cloths. Of all the ways that God wanted His only begotten Son to enter this world, He chose for Him to experience every bit of humanness--from conception to adulthood. Evidently God knew that amazing gifts can come in small 'packages', and the wrapping doesn't have to be glamorous either.

Not the gifts under the tree but the Gift that was nailed to a tree: All of the gifts under our decorated trees indicate that Christmas is approaching. Kids of all ages look for their name on packages, boxes, and bags...Oops! I literally just said that in my Grinch voice...and the shaking and guessing of what could be inside each decorated container starts too. Soon after these gifts are revealed for all to see and the oohs and ahhs are over, the newness wears off. And many gifts are quickly forgotten or thrown away. Not so with Jesus. When He came as a baby, He didn't stay in that form. He grew up and carried out His mission of dying on that cruel cross for everyone's sins. And thankfully His love, mercy, and grace are just some of the extra gifts and blessings that He keeps on giving everyday of the year.

His Presence is the present: I'm sure that you've heard it said that the one with the most toys wins. Whatever you feel about that is up to you, but I choose to believe that the one with the most stuff is probably a hoarder that needs to do a good cleanout and have a yard sale. But that's just me. Since we're naturally relational individuals, some more than others of course, being in the presence of good company can mean much more than anything that can be bought from a store. And there's nothing like being in the presence of the Lord! He is unlike any other because He is available to anyone and everyone every single second of every day and night when times are good and when times are bad--and all in between. That's a gift that no one who understands how magnificent this is would ever want to turn down or 'return'.

Gifts are great, and beautiful wrapping is too. But make sure that you receive and value the greatest gift ever--Jesus Christ, the Messiah. And know this: The first Christmas was simple. It's okay if yours is too. Merry Christmas to you and yours!!