When Christmastime rolls around there are so many festive wonders that set our hearts soaring. There’s the smell of fresh baked cookies right out of the oven, twinkling lights to sparkle in your eye, Christmas carols in every store you enter, and presents, of course.
Oh, the presents. On every end cap is a special display of something you can’t live without, that you didn’t even know about until that very moment. And television commercials abound with spectacular gift ideas to shower upon those you love.
Jewelry, that special diamond ring that lets her know she’s your soulmate and best friend. Toys to make your kids smarter. And don’t forget the fabulous new fragrances sure to make you feel sexy and irresistible.
Yet if you’re like most of America after the presents are unwrapped and brightly colored paper litters the floor, you will feel a letdown. You’ll be eager to put away the gifts that are scattered all over the stairs, and get your house back in order after the busyness of running to and fro.
December 25th will pass, the carols will be over, and perhaps there will be a few less toy commercials on TV. You’ll frown at the numbers on the scale and scowl at the lying perfume bottle who didn’t make you feel like a sex kitten after all.
There’s one thing all the shiny packages and perfect presents pushed on us have in common, and that is the eventual emptiness they possess. They will run out, lose their sparkle, or end up collecting dust on a shelf. Even if they somehow signify more strongly your love, improve intellect, or enhance your overall appearance, in the end they won’t make everything better. And they certainly won’t fill the empty spaces we all possess.
Just like Christmas candy and decorations, gifts are a great way to celebrate the holiday season, but they don’t make it what it is meant to be. Cookies will be eaten, lights will be taken down, and only the stray pine needles will serve as a reminder of December. And even those will be swept up eventually.
But there is one gift that never loses its wonder. There’s one present that does not go back on its promise. One that does what it says it will do; one that fills the empty places. A truly wondrous gift.
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
When we attempt to place our happiness on presents in colorful paper, family gatherings, or songs of the season, it will always end up a little bit short. While those things are great and bring about a happy smile, true joy is only brought to our human hearts when we celebrate the greatest gift of all. The gift of a Savior; it’s the only one that satisfies. Everything else ends up falling flat.
God gave His Son as a sacrificial gift for us all, for forgiveness of sins and eternal life. I pray this year you open your hearts to the grandest, most wonderful present of all. Truly the best gift of 2015; Salvation.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
This is the one gift that is free to anyone and everyone. All you have to do is ask.
Feel free to share this gift, this post, with everyone this Christmas.
Merry Christmas, and blessings to all. May the God of salvation fill your hearts this year.