Recently my wife, Rebecca, and I were reminiscing over childhood Christmas memories. She shared a story about one Christmas which was especially meaningful to her.
Rebecca had a big family, so Christmas morning never failed to bring excitement in her house. On this Christmas, she and her 15 siblings awoke with their usual enthusiasm in anticipation of the pleasant surprises that had miraculously appeared under the Christmas tree. With so many kids at home, even if each child only received one gift, the tree would be surrounded with presents.
The Mystery Gift
As the gifts were quickly distributed, Rebecca impatiently waited to receive hers. Perhaps it was a new doll hidden among the other gifts, a new purse, or a new garment that would make her the center of attention upon her return from Christmas Break. What could it be?
One by one, the gifts were claimed. Only a few were left under the tree, including one larger item that became more visible as the other gifts were removed. It looked like a large box. The shiny red color drew Rebecca’s attention. She had not received her gift yet, and wondered which one it would be.
Most of Rebecca’s siblings had received their gifts. Now she could see that the red box was a piece of patent leather luggage. It shined in the glow of the Christmas tree lights. Whose was it?
As her mother pulled it from behind the tree, she quickly looked around to see who was still waiting for their gift. Rebecca wished her mother would move faster so she could finally get the gift that belonged to her. To her surprise, her mother walked over and handed the luggage to her.
This was a terrific gift, but there was more. When Rebecca opened the piece of luggage, she found two matching pieces inside.
It was the best gift ever! All that day, she opened and closed the luggage. She picked out her favorite dresses and blouses and packed them inside. She dressed up and pretended to go on exotic trips. She imagined how fun it would be to visit nieces and nephews and show off her fancy gift.
Love Sometimes Fades with Time
Unfortunately, with a large family these dream trips were few. But that didn’t matter — she was always ready to go. In fact, every year when Christmas came, she would pull out her luggage and set it under the Christmas tree. After Christmas, she carefully put it away until the next Christmas so it always looked brand new!
As much as my wife loved her childhood gift, her love faded over the years. This is common of many of the things we value in life. Over time, we simply lose interest and replace these items.
At Christmastime, many homes throughout the world treat Jesus like a gift that fades with time and can be outgrown and replaced. They only pay attention to Him on Christmas Day. And yet, those who have received the good news of Christ see Him as the best Gift ever. Which one are you?
How to Have Christmas Every Day
Luke talks to us about the angel’s Christmas announcement to shepherds who were watching their sheep: “And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.’” (Luke 2:10)
The good news refers to God’s love for us — love that caused him to send His only begotten Son. Although that might seem like a nice thing to do, it can never be fully understood until we learn that He did this, knowing His Son would die for rebellious humanity.
But there was power in this act of God’s love. John 1:12 reminds us, ”But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” This is why the good news was of great joy.
The angel said that this news “will be for all the people.” It doesn’t matter on what side of the railroad tracks you were born. It doesn’t matter what your advantages or disadvantages might be: The good news is for you. Christ is the best Gift ever — not just something to share on Christmas, but Someone to keep on sharing 365 days a year! Through Him, you and I can have Christmas every day.
Article by Dr. L.W. Edwards
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