We wrapped each and every present with the greatest care. We found the exact bow to go with the wrapped present. It couldn’t have been more fitting. The presents looked absolutely stunning under the perfectly decorated Christmas tree. Each light was placed to shine the right color on each decoration on the tree. The tree couldn’t have looked better. We saw some of these exquisite, decorated trees on Facebook. The owners were so proud of their achievements.
Each piece of the manger scene was placed exactly where they should be with a light over the head of Baby Jesus. The colors from the wise men were blended with each other so well; you would expect some low mooing from the contented cow. You could almost hear the muted voices of everyone in the entire assembly.
Everyone walking into the house would exclaim how excellent all the decorations were. How great the cookies were, and all were excited to be invited over to see such a fine display of Christmas. The decorations look so pure and simple.
Then Christmas comes. Some eat breakfast before anyone can touch the presents. Others hear that the kids are up, and everyone races for the tree and the presents. The perfect bows are tossed on the floor and the opening has begun. It doesn’t take long for the chaos to kind of slow down after all the presents are open. Everyone is admiring their presents again. A lot of wow, look what I got. Or I didn’t think I would get this. How exciting. Sometimes people hide a gift in the tree to make a person think they didn’t get what they wanted. Or even give the person a map and have them work to find the gift that is hidden in another room. The presents are all opened, the trash put in big bags and taken somewhere else. Whew! It makes me want to take a warmup nap to be ready for the rest of the day!
Thankfully, Jesus isn’t here to put up for a season, admire him, and then pack away until next year. Jesus is with us every day, every moment, guiding us with love and care. Leading us daily to be more like him-to measure up to his standards, not ours. Not a day goes by that we don’t need God’s grace to sustain us.
John 15:16 NIV- You did not choose me, but I chose you and anointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.
Romans 8:32 NIV He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all, how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Psalm 27:5 NIV-for in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.
Jesus Christ is our gift, freely given!
Blessings,
Pastor Wanda