Christmas.  It seems like it begins earlier and earlier every year.  Nonetheless, it is my favorite time of year to celebrate.  With all that goes on during this season, I find myself having to be intentional in keeping the true meaning of Christmas front and center.  It is so easy to get wrapped up in….well…..the busy of everything! Gift giving, baking cookies, parties, concerts, and much more!  Although those are all enjoyable, what I relish most is sitting in the still of the twinkling Christmas tree lights soaking up the magnitude of the greatest gift of all; Christ. 

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”

John 6:35

As I sit here this morning, I wonder, how many people fully appreciate the gift of Christ?  I mean, REALLY grasp it.  Not the infant in a manger that is so colorfully portrayed in children’s books or a Hollywood movie.  The Jesus I am talking about is the Son of God – God incarnate – Savior – the Chosen One – sent here for the sole purpose of reconciling us to God. 

Born into a Jewish family, Jesus grew, taught, and eventually went on to trade his earthly life for all of humanity.  “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2: 5-7).  At the age of 33, Jesus quite literally poured himself out on the cross to offer us a path to eternal life.  In doing so, He gave us the greatest gift of all; one that we can never match or fully comprehend.   It is love in the highest form.  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Is it sinking in yet?  The gift of salvation. The sole reason we celebrate Christ’s birth.  But, like any other gift, it is only a gift if accepted.  What a tragedy it is to see people spin around in the craziness of the Christmas season and miss the finest gift of all – salvation through Christ.  In a world where so many things seem wrong, Jesus offers us true peace, joy and hope. 

As kids, the magic of Christmas morning comes under the tree, eyes wide open at the gifts brought by Santa and the cookie crumbs left on the plate.  As adults, although likely exhausted from the scurry of getting things just right, the magic is found in relaxing and spending time with the one we love.  For all of us though, we must not forget to cherish the reason for the season and greatest treasure of all – Jesus. 

And so, in the final few days before December 25th, take a moment to sit in the presence of Him.  Remember, salvation is for everyone and nothing is required other than a decision to accept it.  🙂

Wishing you a lovely Christmas; one that is captivated with the delight of knowing Him!