Anticipation characterizes the Christmas season. The faster pace and distinctive trappings of the season remind us that something is about to happen; a festive holiday filled with excitement, wonder and love regardless of what is going on all around us. For children, the anticipation of waking up early to the joy of new toys, clothes and the enjoyment of gift getting will be a first priority for sure.
Adult have also find out "if they get what they had hoped to receive this Christmas." And yet, after all the pomp and circumstance come to an end, and the great mystery about what is in all the boxes has been solved, there is still a Gift that many of us will still not have opened.
Even though Jesus was born a very long time ago, we must still affirm that he lives on today and forever. This is what Christmas is really all about, we are to rise from our sleep and celebrate the birth of Christ as a gift that never stops giving.
In our worship we are to remember that God became flesh and dwelt among us, beginning with the birth in Bethlehem. We are to also affirm that the living reality of Christ is born in our hearts and lives as we have life. In a way, the Christ child is born over and over again as we walk through life striving to make heaven our home and seeking a closer relationship with God. Therefore, Christmas affirms for us facts that are true throughout the year: God's love and the salvation God provides for us in Jesus Christ.
But at the end of the day, when all the wrapping and boxes have been put in the trash, when all the food and drink have been consumed and all the guests and loved ones have gone their separate ways; for many of us there still remains one gift left unwrapped. And for many of us, unwrapping this gift is as frightening as opening a letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
If you are a true child of God, what are you waiting for, why won't you unwrap the gift of life? What is it going to take for you to recognize that none of the tangible gifts that you will receive, no matter how much love was put into them, can ever replace the greatest gift you will ever receive?
Go on, it won't bite. But if you dare to open it, I promise that it will give you unspeakable joy. You see, the greatest gift that you will ever receive is the gift of Jesus Christ. And as fast as you receive it, you've got to give it away so that others can come to know as you know, that Jesus is the way the truth and the life. I thank God for this indescribable gift in my life and I’ve been blessed to share this gift with each of you. Merry Christmas!
