The Gift!
The past two weekends, I have been a recipient of the incredible gift of friendships. My friends planned two different surprise birthday parties for me. As this birthday comes, I will be entering a new decade, and they were trying to usher me in with joy and laughter. But I’m resting in with age comes wisdom, which basically means, if we disagree on something, chances are I’ll be right. And even though Proverbs 16:31 tells us that “gray hair is a crown of glory,” only I will know that and don’t want to show off my glory to others.
If you can believe it, I was speechless over the gift of love shown to me by family and friends at both parties. For me, receiving a gift is more challenging than giving a gift. You know where I am going with this analogy, don’t you? A gift is something given to someone without expecting anything in return. God gave us a present of His presence. A gift only made possible because of the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus gave us the gift of eternal life, and He doesn’t expect anything from us. But we do have to choose to receive the gift. When we choose to accept what Jesus gives, it truly is the gift that keeps on giving. But what I have done, and maybe you have experienced this too, is I have chosen the gift, I just haven’t unwrapped all of it. Why? We wouldn’t receive a present from someone and just take the bow off and partially unwrap it. No, we would peel the paper off with excitement, open the box, pull the tissue back, take all the goodies out, and be joyful and thankful for the gift.
This Christmas, won’t you join me in truly receiving what Jesus is offering. If you have chosen Him, remove the first layer of wrapping. Accept the box of goodies, His truth, His promises, and provisions. Accept Jesus came to give you this gift of eternal life. He wants nothing in return but promises the gift will be immeasurably more when He becomes your Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
This Christmas, give the gift of prayer for the person who has not accepted the gift of Jesus. Pray their eyes to turn from darkness to light, and they call on the name of the Lord to save them.
From the Choose to Soar team and me,
May your hearts and ears be opened to hear the voice of the Lord. May you experience and see the wonders of His love. Accept the great gift of Jesus and be filled to overflowing with love and grace. Proclaim with us, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace to His people on earth.” Merry Christmas friends, we love you!
