For All

Hard to keep focus right now. There’s all the planning, purchasing, and preparing. Boxes arriving almost daily, cards from far off friends, not enough wrapping paper or gift bags stored away from last year. Then the last-minute additions to the calendar. The babe in the manger becomes a bit blurry.

Time to get back to truth even if only for five minutes to seek words of treasure. I’m starting with: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8 ESV emphasis mine) Even our belief, our faith is not our own doing. God gives us this gift – He shows it to us wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

It takes effort on our part at this time of year – the busyness and the heartaches and trials that don’t let up because it’s Christmas. This world will make us feel lacking in gifts (for others and from others). But truth tells us that the moment we accept Jesus any other gift pales in comparison.

So, here’s the thing. The gift isn’t just for you or for me. “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:10b NIV) That’s what I want to give this year. Sure, I want the excitement of grandchildren seeing sparkly lights, melting marshmallows in hot chocolate, tearing open wrapped packages.

But what I really want, is for them to open their hearts to Jesus. I want my children to have new awe. I want my friends and family who just don’t get it – to finally receive it.

When I bake the gingersnaps a little too crispy, when I hope Amazon comes through in time, when I crawl into bed with tape stuck to my arm – I still want to see the babe in a manger. He came and endured all we endure and more. He gave His life to give us eternal life. Emmanuel – God with us. Jesus, with us always.

Holy Spirit, slow us down enough that we don’t miss the wonder. The Good News isn’t 2,000 years old. It’s new every morning. This Gift keeps on giving.

May you hunger to open it and examine it, slow down a little while each day. Turn your eyes upon Jesus. From heaven, to the manger, to the cross, to your heart – a gift to cherish forever.