Treasures PonderedSample

The Perfect Gift

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

One of my absolute favorite things in the world is wrapping and giving presents. It’s more than a process; it’s an atmosphere. I nestle around the glowing tree that’s softly bathing the living room in gold, cream, and evergreen. Piano carols and hymns slide from the stereo speakers, filling the room with soothing songs of the season. And around me, flames lick the wicks of winter scented candles.

It’s the excitement of giving that launches my love. As the book or toy or clothing item are placed beneath the paper, I envision the recipient, watch their face unfold on Christmas morning when they open what I’ve so lovingly tied together. It’s about making the moment special, to show my love and thankfulness of their being in my life. My heart smiles to watch eyes light up at the discovery that they’ve received a gift, and the anticipation of what lay under the wrapping.

More than the decoration, I love the giving. For me, to place a gift in front of someone I love, watch them wonder at receiving something they weren’t expecting, and soak in their excitement once they’ve opened it, there is no greater satisfaction.

But the greatest gift is not what we give, but what we receive: salvation, God wrapped in flesh, covered in cloth and glory. Settled in the womb of a virgin and born in a manger, next to donkeys, in the dark. Not the most glamorous arrival; no pretty bows or ribbon wound around His bed, but the glow of His ethereal face, sleeping in the arms of His mother, lit up the world. This tiny babe would grow to save our souls.

Joy. Peace. Love. God is offering these gifts to you this year, through His Son Jesus Christ. If your heart longs for a warmth no layers of coats can cure, speak to Him in the stillness of your soul and unwrap the present that has been waiting for you since before time began. It’s a gift that has only gotten better with age. Try it on. See how it fits around your hope and fills you with that warmth you crave. And when you decide to keep it, look upon the Giver and offer Him up sincere thanks. For He loves lavishing His gifts upon His children and delights in seeing them accepted with eagerness and excitement. 

Get excited for the grace sitting underneath the tree of your heart, wrapped in wonder and ready for you to open.

How can you show your appreciation for the gift of Jesus to the world around you?

Speak and Listen:

Add someone to your Christmas list you normally wouldn’t think of and make them a gift that shows them that you care.

Prayer:

Father God, thank You for this beautiful Christmas season. Thank You for the lights and the gifts and the warmth surrounding it. And most of all, thank You for the greatest gift of all - Jesus. Thank You for sending Him to walk this earth and save me from my sins. I want to accept this free and wondrous gift that You so eagerly offer. Let me take it and wrap it tenderly around my heart and be filled with joy from receiving Your salvation. Amen.