11 Days to Christmas. Monday, Dec 14, 2020

"Unwrap the Gift!"

One Christmas, when I was a pre-teen youngster, I begged to receive a certain pair of boots for Christmas. They were the newest available and rather expensive, so I offered to forego anything and everything else just to receive them.

When Christmas arrived, I was presented with a good-sized box from under the tree. I couldn't wait to unwrap it, but in my excitement, I decided to let it sit for a little while to enjoy the anticipation a little more. Of course, that wasn't the only gift I received, though it was all I expected. I received multiple other gifts, including some exciting things that took my attention away from my prized possession.

Later that night, I put the unwrapped gift in my closet to hold it for just a little while longer. Unfortunately, I was so taken by the other gifts that I forgot about the boots. That Spring, I grew several inches. Then, during the summer, I cleaned out my closet and found the unwrapped package. I was so surprised! I tore open the box, and as expected, the bright new box of boots lay before me. I quickly removed my sneakers and opened the box. The boots were so handsome! I couldn't wait to put them on! I pulled them from the box and slipped them onto my feel. However, much to my surprise, they didn't fit. I had outgrown them during my little growth spurt, and thus, couldn't enjoy them.

Even with the best intentions, if we don't act upon God's gifts this Christmas, they could pass by us. Whether it's a gift we receive under the tree, or the opportunity to share a smile with someone who is struggling, God provides us with exactly what we need in all circumstances. Even though we may not recognize or understand it, God is still providing that gift to us.

This Holiday Season, keep watch for God's gifts. They can arrive in all kinds of wrapping paper, and if we'll open them on time and use them, God will show us a new joy that is much greater than we expected.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." (James 1:17, ESV)