He clasped his hands together and looked at me, eyes lit up, pure joy written across his face. “I can’t wait until Christmas! I’m most excited about…well, you know!”

I didn’t know. “What are you most excited about?” I asked.

“I asked for that ONE gift–and I can’t wait to unwrap it!” 

Uh oh. I knew exactly what gift he wanted and I didn’t buy it. There were other gifts wrapped and ready for him, his name scrawled across the sticky Santa tag, but not the one he had in mind.

“Oh buddy…” As best as I could, I broke it to him gently that gift wouldn’t be under the tree. One side of me wanted him to have everything he could possibly want but the other knew his wish list included a plastic, grossly overpriced toy that wouldn’t last a month. I couldn’t justify spending that much money on a toy that wouldn’t last.

He’s ok now. I know you’re worried he’ll have a rotten Christmas and maybe if you know me, you might want to zip off to the store to make sure he has a happy Christmas but please don’t. He’s ok because we talked about the gift that never breaks, never wears down, and is available to everyone. 

It’s not a toy.

But it’s a costly gift. It’s the kind of gift given from a universal, unconditional, transcends time and place, color and culture. It’s the perfect kind of gift for anyone this Christmas.

Let me tell you about this gift as I imagine the scene that first Christmas and what led to it.

JOHN THE BAPTIST – THE PASSIONATE ONE

How was this even possible?!?! A unbelieving laugh slipped past Elizabeth’s lips as she stared at her husband of so long. When she joked about him keeping quiet about a “woman’s role,” she didn’t mean literally.

He gestured wildly and Elizabeth understood what happened. He was a good man, a godly man, and his trip to the temple was like any other time. Except this time he received a visit from an angel who’d said Elizabeth would give birth to a child. She shook her head again, smiling slightly, reaching a hand up to her fully gray locks of hair. This old woman?
But it was true.

Months later, her round belly pressing against her dress, a visitor at the door called out. It was Mary, her young cousin, traveling to share her own news. Oh, two babies in the family! What joy! Elizabeth’s own sweet baby jumped within her womb and both women erupted into giggles. Someone was sure excited!

Elizabeth told Mary, “You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.” (Luke 1:39-45)

Talk about jumping for joy over Jesus!
At Mary’s voice, the very same voice who acknowledged Gabriel’s announcement with awe and wonder and obedience, Elizabeth’s baby jumped. What an incredible moment for the women, to be filled with the Holy Spirit and carrying babies who would grow into men that would change the world.

John the Baptist’s life would be spent preparing the way for the Lord. He would be great in the eyes of the Lord. He would be filled with the Holy Spirit even before his birth. He would tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. He would turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and cause the rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly. He would even end up baptizing Jesus himself.

John was different. He lived in the wilderness, becoming strong in spirit, until he began his public ministry. He ate locusts and honey. He never touched a drop of wine or any other alcoholic beverage.

Maybe people thought he was weird. Maybe they thought he was a little over the top. A little eccentric. A little too passionate about his service. He lived exactly the way God planned.

Passionately.
Passionately about Jesus while he was in the womb.
Passionately while he lived in the wilderness preparing to fulfill his role as the forerunner to Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Passionately while he called to the sinners as they walked past him, some listening and repenting of their sin, others ignoring him.

It’s Christmas, friend. It’s time to live a passionate life about Jesus and what He came to do for you. Most days, I can scarcely wrap my head around His love for us and His great plan. It’s hard to comprehend so great a love the Father has for each of us.

MARY – THE FAVORED ONE

She rubbed her swollen belly, ready to give her thick ankles and weary back a rest. She cast a glance at her young husband, trudging along, equally exhausted and ready to stop for the night. Once they reached their destination, he’d made multiple inquiries about rooms for them but everything was taken. Mary hoped they wouldn’t be sleeping on the ground. All day, she’d felt her belly tightening because it was time. The baby would be here soon.

Joseph nodded toward one last inn, their last hope for lodging this evening. She stood still, waiting for his return, thinking back to that first night so long ago. Bright light surrounded her and an angel, he’d called himself Gabriel, appeared and told her she was going to give birth to a son. The Son of God and the Son of Man. Jesus.

It had seemed so crazy at the time. Truth be told, it still felt that way. Despite her age, her place in society, everything that made her “less than,” God said she was ready to fulfill her purpose. This was all part of His plan from the beginning.

Joseph returned and with a soft sigh, gently nudged her arm and walked toward a stable behind the inn. More of a cave, really. She glanced around, too tired and uncomfortable to continue walking and sank down on a pile of fresh hay.

Uncomfortable.

It seemed to sum her life up fairly well, at least since that night with the angel. But this God she believed in loved her, loved Jesus, loved the world enough to send His son to save the world. Messiah. Jesus. He saves.

Jesus makes me uncomfortable too.

Can you imagine being tasked with carrying the Messiah within your womb? Giving birth to the Man of Sorrows who brought so much joy that starry night but because of His great love for us would experience great sorrow and pain later?

God’s plans for Mary, for Jesus, for each one of us began so long ago. As our relationship with the Lord grows, He asks us to do things we can’t even imagine, things that are uncomfortable, things that seem better fit for someone else.

Who knows where it might lead? Who knows who we might encounter? Who knows how many rejections we might face before settling into a space that looks less than the best?

But the best is yet to come. The best belongs to Jesus. And when we give Him our whole heart and obediently follow wherever He leads without argument or complaint, His perfect plan prevails.

God’s plan is good. His Son is perfect. And He loves you with an unconditional, no strings attached, love you to the grave and back (because that’s what He did when He died for you), and He wants you to know it.

He loves you. He wants you. Give Him your whole heart this Christmas. ❤️

THE SHEPHERDS – GOOD NEWS 

  
The men stood together quietly, staring at the dark sky, the starry night sky seeming larger than ever. The sun had long since set and the sheep huddled together the occasional soft bleating ringing across the meadow.

Sometimes they wished for a different life. While this life, a part of their heritage, seemed peaceful, it was often accompanied by the rude treatment of others who viewed shepherds as the lowliest occupation. But it was what they’d been born into and who they were.

Suddenly, an angel appeared interrupting their thoughts. Their heightened senses and fear kept them frozen in place, unable to even glance at one another to see if this vision was indeed real. The glory of the Lord shone around them, lighting up the only darkness.

‘The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”’
The king was born? The one they’d read about, hearing stories passed down from their grandparents, the Messiah everyone waited so long for…He was here?

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

As suddenly as they’d appeared, they disappeared once again leaving the shepherds alone in the field. When they’d found their voices, they all spoke at once, excitement peppering their words. Of course they would leave immediately to visit the newborn King.

Grabbing their staffs but forgetting the sheep, they raced into Bethlehem to see the Messiah, the babe sent to save the world. It wouldn’t register with them until later the heavenly announcement was made to lowly shepherds in a field filled with sleeping sheep rather than great fanfare to kings and crowds.

They found Mary and Joseph with the precious baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger just like the angel said. They marveled, their words tripping over one another as they shared the story with the small family. They ran through the town, waking the sleeping, telling everyone they could the Messiah was born, just like the angel had told them!

Can you imagine that night? What appeared to be an average night outside an average town with average shepherds turned out to be the most memorable night of their life. Instantly, after the angel brought them good news that would cause great joy for all people, the shepherds believed it, verified it, and shared it with all who would listen.

Great joy for all people…beginning with the people holding the lowest of jobs, poor shepherd boys.

My friends, this season is a time of great joy for all people. The King was born, just like Scripture said, the Son of God and the Son of Man lived a life on earth, died on the cross for us, and rose again. But He’s coming again for those who believe, to take us to our heavenly home, if we just believe.

The story of Christmas isn’t just for a few–it’s for everyone. It’s for you and for me. Look to Jesus for your joy this Christmas and if you don’t have a relationship with Him, He’s waiting for you. He loves you. ❤️🎄🎁

LAST BUT NOT LEAST – THE WISE MEN

 
Some people ridiculed their dedication to studying the stars, scoffing at their predictions and searching the sky for the coming Messiah. But these men, the wise men, the Magi, they remained focused on their task which was more of an anticipation, an excitement, a pleasure, than a job. So onward they watched, day after day, waiting for that promised sign to show itself in the sky.And then it happened.

It looked nothing like the other stars, more of a glowy celestial body, maybe even the Shekinah glory. It was time. The Messiah was here! He was born! With great excitement, the men gathered their belongings, everything they could possibly need on their lengthy journey which would take many months and many miles. Camels, clothing, food, servants, and gifts for the newborn king.

What gift would be worthy of a baby king?

Diapers? Wipes? Onesies?

A thing of the future and a common gift for any baby but not for a king.

No, this baby would be given only the best. 

Gold. Frankincense. Myrrh.

Yes, they would give gold. It was a precious metal and a valuable commodity. It was a gift to honor the divinity of the Christ child, God in the flesh.

Frankincense. When burned, it was highly fragrant and gave a pleasant aroma. It was often burned while worshipping and signified the burnt offering this baby would one day be.

And myrrh. Many would not approve of this gift, a spice used in embalming, yet it symbolized the suffering the Man of Sorrows would one day experience. The sacrifice He would be to all mankind.

But together, these three were the perfect gift for the baby who’d been sent to save the world.

Do you know this King of Kings? Have you given your life to the One who laid His one down for you? Who became the greatest sacrifice so you might accept His gift and spend an eternity with Him?

We have the opportunity to bring our own gifts to the King. Not just during December, but throughout the year. But now is the time to thoughtfully and prayerfully consider what we have to offer.

Do we make jokes and offer practical gifts? Do we ignore the gift of salvation and hope our good works get us to heaven? Do we wait and see if someone else’s relationship with Jesus can be a two for one deal and include us?

Maybe this Christmas will be the time when we offer our absolute best to the King. Maybe it looks different for each of us but I believe if we prayerfully consider what we can offer, we will find He only wants our hearts, our undivided, devoted, loving hearts. And when we give Him our whole heart, He miraculously transforms us from the inside out, using our time, our talents, and our treasures to further His kingdom.

The question is — what gift will you give Jesus this Christmas?