Over the years the ability to gift has been variable in our family. We’ve experienced Christmas Eve gift exchange with extravagant giving. Other exchanges have been with very little. The one steady regardless of the ability to give much or little has been the love of the holiday. It’s always been my favorite.
As a child we had very little. I remember Christmas mornings with one small gift each. Beautifully wrapped with love but only one. I remember other things about Christmas morning that have imprinted on my life in more ways than any gift ever could. Cinnamon rolls. Hot cocoa. The story of the birth of Jesus from the book of Luke. Love.
As a hard year and hard times often do for you, I have spent time in reflection this season. Deep reflection. Late into the night hours. What is the one gift I want above all else. The gift I desire to give. The gift I desire to receive.
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Luke 2:6-7
The Ultimate Gift
As I reflected early this morning on the to do list, last minute gifts, food for the holiday, and plans, I sang a song in my heart.
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. Open the eyes of my heart. I want to see you. I want to see you.
Jesus is the reason for the season. Let us seek to see him.
Our God knew we needed salvation. The only plan of salvation that would forever save his people was for him to come manifested in the flesh as a baby in a manger, named Jesus. With anticipation in our hearts let us seek to see Jesus as the ultimate gift given purely from love to mankind who were undeserving of such mercy and grace.
He is so much more than a baby in a manger.
He is so much more than a story.
He is the ultimate gift. The reason we celebrate this season. The gift mankind needs more so in this moment, this year, this world, than any other gift. His plan of salvation remains today the only hope we have as mankind. This world is not our home. It is temporary. The material gifts we wrap and provide for each other are treasures but only last in this temporary world. The gift of who Jesus is, lasts for eternity. Sets the captive free. Heals the sick. Breaks the chains that bind us. Gives hope to the hopeless. Provides the orphan a family.
This season, this Christmas, let us receive and give the ultimate gift of who Jesus is.
Then he opened their minds to understand these many scriptures.
Luke 24:45
Jesus, show me you. Show me who you are. Open my mind to understand the scriptures. Let the eyes of my heart see you. Be my gift. Bobbie
