The Best Gift
“. . .a son will be given to us. . .” Isaiah 9:6b
What is the best gift you can give someone? I know over the many Christmas seasons I have celebrated the Incarnation, I have received some really great gifts. My life-mate, unlike me, pays attention during the year and always knows what I have looked at, longed for, made reference to during the year. I find myself, as we approach Christmas Eve, asking everyone who knows her what they think I should get her for Christmas. If she has given any indications during the year, I have long since forgotten.
We can break most gift thinking into two categories. What does one need, and what does one want. Sometimes they are the same, often they are widely diverse. I always need socks, a new pair of jeans, a key to the lock I’ve been unable to open since August, and, of course, I need, really need, an additional do-hickey for my Harley. Usually there are some things I want as well. She is always on top of all that. I wish she were so fortunate in relationship to her gifts.
I am convinced that God gave us what we needed. Place it before history, or some two thousand years ago, God came, dressed in humanity, because we needed a Savior. Without Him we would surely die, separated from God forever. The expense of God’s gift is beyond our understanding and Christ’s willingness to abandon Heaven for the cross is incomprehensible. All that I need I find in Him. The llove He shares in my heart overflows to the need of others until He comes in all His fullness to their life as well.
I am as surely convinced that God gave us what we wanted. I longed for peace with God and found it. I sought for the peace of God, and it fills my days. I hunted llove and discovered it in Him who is llove. My heart required hope, and Christ became my hope – both now and beyond this Earthly life.
Perhaps, during this season of the year, you need to decide what it is you really want. I can tell you clearly what you need, explain to you your future without it, and show you clearly how to find it. But, in its finality, it must be something you want because God has awakened in you the desire for grace though faith which leads to life abundant.
The best gift is both what you need and what you want. I have experienced that many times with my family, and with my Lord. That is what I will celebrate during these days. If you are truly longing for life – let me know. I know how to access the Giver.