A Gift Wrapped
Once again, Christmas is upon us! We spend hours thinking about gift giving- what to buy, how to wrap it, what kind of tag and card is needed? Will we purchase something useful, or something frivolous and fun? Does buying the gift create excitement because you can’t wait to see their face? Or does it cause stress, because you haven’t a clue, but feel a pressure to produce a gift?
I will be the first to admit that our American traditions and observations of Christmas have evolved into something that does not even remotely resemble what it started out as. My family could definitely stand to evaluate what we do and why we do it, recognizing that it does not have to be so complicated.
For years our family wrapped presents, tied bows and affixed labels. In time, we recognized that bows just fell off and were not really all that necessary. As a mom of three boys, beautiful frippery is not appreciated- and in fact, is often scoffed at. So my Christmas wrapping has morphed into “slapping some paper on it” (unless it goes in a bag) and affixing either a sticky label, or in a pinch, using a wrapping paper “tag”, to denote the intended recipient. Nothing special.
Now that my oldest son has married, I am looking at things a bit differently. She enjoys pretty packages, neatly wrapped, and festooned with ribbon. It has awakened a desire in me to go back to the simple pleasures of creating beauty. Making the giving of the gift, more of a thing.
When I think of the “wrapping” of the First Ever Christmas Present, it was nothing special. Just swaddling clothes. The presentation was nothing to marvel at- it (the Gift) was presented in a lowly stable. The manger has become synonymous with a romantic notion about Christ’s rustic beginnings. We forget it was a food trough for animals. It was not clean, sanitary or beautifully appointed. The most precious gift ever given was just “stuck” in whatever wrapping they could make do with. But the wrapping in no way negated the value of the contents. In rough clothing. In a splintery bed. The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords made His glorious appearing. The star attested to the glorious gift He was to the world. Common, everyday shepherds, came, worshipped and acknowledged. Angels rejoiced in a heavenly chorus. It was not about the pomp and circumstance. No glittery paper or iridescent bows. This gift was given, wrapped in the Father’s love.
“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).
Given. To be unwrapped by “whosoever will.” To be received on our own, personal Christmas morn- the day we finally recognize He is who He is. And we accept Him for all that it entails. Salvation. The Son of God. The Righteous Lamb. The Way. The Truth. The Life. The day that we bow to acknowledge, the day we part our lips to confess, that is our personal Christmas day. The day we “unwrap” the greatest package ever given. A gift given makes no difference, unless it is unwrapped and received.
Dear God, thank you for the reminder that it is not about the outer trappings The showy stuff. It is about The Gift. It is about Jesus, about His love, His sacrifice, and the forgiveness He offers. Help us to return to the simplicity of Christmas. A beautiful gift given, without fanfare or embellishment. A precious gift received, clutched unto one’s bosom and treasured. Help me, Lord, to cling to you and never forget the price you paid to wrap the Holy of Heaven, in an earthly carton. I love you Jesus. Your sacrifice. Your gift. They matter to me.
Beautiful, Sherri. Thank you.
Thank you, Marsha. I am glad it spoke to you! Bless you for all you do for so many!
Amen, Sherri. It is the most beautiful gift ever given to me and mankind.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you, Iris! Thank you for your ministry! You are salt and light.