May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father, and the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours.
Every time I think of you—and I think of you often!—I thank God for your lives of free and open access to God, given by Jesus. There’s no end to what has happened in you—it’s beyond speech, beyond knowledge. The evidence of Christ has been clearly verified in your lives.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
A few years ago, I made a “pact” with a few family members that we adults would NOT exchange Christmas gifts. Christmas gifts would only be given to the children. This year, my cousin’s wife broke, “the rule.” I was all prepared to put up a fuss, until I saw her gather the gift bag from under her Christmas tree. “Yours was the first gift I bought,” she said. “You are SO easy to shop for!” I don’t think anyone has EVER told me that before!
My cousin was practically giddy as I pulled the tissue from the sack and retrieved a gift that was so thoughtful…so practical…so ME! And in that moment, I realized how much thought she had given to this present…how she had really considered ME and what I would enjoy…and then she had purchased something that no one else in a million years would think to give me…beautiful new dish towels and a wonderful baking pan.
Here’s the thing…God has given each of us the Ultimate Gift…Jesus Christ. Jesus is that one-in-a-million Gift. God thoughtfully considered each of us…He designed Jesus perfectly to live among us - to teach us and to die for our sins. He gets totally giddy every time one of us accepts His gift and invites Jesus to be the LORD of our life. And He delights over and again in watching us live for Him, serve Him, and share the Good News of Jesus with others.
I told my cousin that I just might bake her something delicious in the new pan someday. But even if I don’t, she will take joy and delight in knowing that I am using her gift to prepare food for Greg and others. And she knows how much I love her. It’s the same with God. He doesn’t expect us to give Him anything in return except our love and devotion - and our very best Christian discipleship.
As you open packages in the next few days, consider the Ultimate Gift you have received from God. Jesus isn’t wrapped in a box or tucked into a gift bag under your Christmas tree…but He is the best gift you will ever receive. I thank God for His perfect present to me…and to you. I pray you have “opened” your heart to His love…and that He will be at the center of your celebration this Christmas season…and always.
©2014 Debbie Robus
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