The Best Christmas Present Ever

~We are quickly approaching Christmas and shopping season which begins with Black Friday. I hope shoppers may forgive me, but I strongly dislike this "holiday." Now, gift giving in itself isn't problematic, but the danger is losing sight of the ultimate Christmas present (Jesus) and the "good and perfect gifts that come from above."

Cookie Basket
Psalm 133:1-3

"It is good and pleasant when God's people live together in peace! It is like perfumed oil poured on the priest's head and running down his beard." (Psalm 133:1)

A good and pleasant gift- God's people living together in peace. Christians living together in community and loving each other deeply with all their hearts (1 Peter 1:22). And imagine these Christians living in peace, in unity and harmony without quarrels over minute scripture or church policy. Yes, it would be a pretty perfect Christmas gift for everyone involved.

You could even imagine it as a lovely decorate Christmas cookie basket of sorts- Presbyterian Pizzelle, Brethren brownies, Mennonite Meringues, Russian Orthodox kiffles. Sure, they might have different ingredients and flavors, but in essence, they're all cookies serving the same purpose... and they're all together in the same basket.

Mix CD
Proverbs 29:6

"Evil people are trapped by their own sin, but good people can sing and be happy." (Proverbs 29:6).

When living in sin, our soul is crying out to be set free. The sin itself in the form of a lie or harmful habit often catches us in a vicious cycle that is so hard to break. We are stifled and lonely and trapped. But after confessing and repenting, the Lord frees us and allows up to feel happiness. In fact, this abounding unwarranted grace motivates us to share it- tell the good news... "A child is born in the city of David!" "Go tell it on the mountain!" Sing it...

I'm not sure whether a mixed cd is a common gift anymore with all the MP3-ing going on, but it was at one point. (Perhaps I'm dating myself here.) But a good mixed cd relates to the audience and tells about the relationship between the giver and the recipient. What would my mixed cd for Jesus be? A great variety of songs reflecting the ups and downs, ins and outs of my journey... and most importantly, it would be rewriteable. I'm so happy to continuously rewrite this journey for you, Lord.

Gift Card
1 Peter 1:1-25

"Now we hope for the blessings God has for his children. These blessings, which cannot be destroyed or be spoiled or lose their beauty, are kept in heaven for you. God's power protects you through your faith until salvation is shown to you at the end of time. This makes you very happy, even though now for a short time different kinds of troubles may make you sad. These troubles come to prove that your faith is pure. This purity of faith is worth more than gold, which can be proved to be pure by fire but will ruin. But the purity of your faith will bring you praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is shown to you." (1 Peter 4-7)

What a blessing to remember that this life however great or horrible it may be is just a part of the journey. We're still just on the flight... whether in first class or the last middle seat in coach, you know- the one right next to the bathroom with the baby screaming in your ear the whole ride. We're just making the most of the trip so that we're ready when we get there. We trust that we'll get there (hope), even though we've never seen it (faith). And when we get there, it'll be worth it. Holding out will be more advantageous than gold (which at least this summer was some pretty valuable stuff).

Let's consider the ever-popular gift card, which has some similar attributes. When we receive the card, we trust that it actual has money on it and walk up to the cash register hoping to buy something in exchange for the piece of plastic. When we receive Jesus into our hearts, we continue on our journey as Christians awaiting that day when we will reach the unimaginable glory of heaven. Lord, there is no Thank You Note grand enough to praise you for the best Christmas present ever... Your Son, sent to die for my unreconcilable sins.