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.
Especially for Christmas, where 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.
Each
gift I carefully select the color and pattern of paper to wrap it in and try to
cut as least crooked as possible (for me, that’s no easy task). I fold the ends
over one another and crease the paper until they tuck crisply in a well wrapped
package, taped down so no wayward pieces stick up. Then, I place the chosen
label on the box and address it. And when it’s finished, I gently place it off
to the side among the growing pile of presents I’ve already wrapped. In the
lowlights of the Christmas tree it’s especially magical to see the colors shine
off the paper.
The
gifts I wrap bring me great delight and send shivers under my skin. It’s the
excitement of giving that launches my love. As the book or toy or clothing item
are placed underneath the paper, I envision the recipient, see their heart all
year round and watch their face unfold on Christmas morning when they open up
what I’ve so lovingly tied together. For me, it’s about making the moment a
little more special for them, to show my love and thankfulness at them being in
my life. To watch eyes light up at the discovery that they’ve received a gift,
and the anticipation of what lay under the wrapping, my heart smiles.
But more than the decoration,
I love the giving. 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.
For
me, giving is my gift and I am glad to grace others with the outpouring that’s
in my heart. And I ask for nothing in return, because their reaction is the
only gift I need.
However,
there is one gift I am glad for. It isn’t large; kind of tiny, really. Soft,
smooth, sweet to the scent. And the size, I can fit in my arms. Though the gift
may be small, the cost is enormous. Priceless, actually. But it’s pretty
perfect. And its value is eternal.
It
is the gift of salvation, God wrapped in flesh, covered in cloth and glory.
Settled in the stomach 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 the most sincere thanks you’ve ever uttered. 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 to open.
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.
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