One of The Greatest Gifts He Gave
It was a flurry of paper, ribbons flying across the room, tiny Barbie accessories caught up in the piles of plastic trash and I sat there in awe of it all. Was this what Christmas was all about? I had no idea what gifts anyone had received or from whom. The children were content to rip through packages like they click through television shows – hmmm, interesting…that look s good, come back to it later…might like this one…let’s see is there anything better?
When it was all over, we sat in a room full of trash and toys intermingled with a dazed look on our faces. Some gifts were already in use; new slippers on feet, dolls in arms and balls flying through the air over our heads to the intended basket. For the hours spent finding the perfect gift, wrapping it beautifully and the thought that went into each present, the glory of Christmas morning was over in mere minutes.
As I thought about the greatest gift of Christmas, I remember many Christmas mornings past. Gifts that weren’t quite what was desired along with duplicated gifts went back to the store the following day for exchanges as we sought to meet our inner desires or our true needs.
But the greatest gift of Christmas isn’t something we can ask for with specifications on size or color. It isn’t a gift that can be exchanged if it doesn’t fit and it certainly can’t be outdone by sparkling wrapping paper or shiny ribbons. Of course I’m talking about the gift of Jesus – God’s gift to mankind. His own Son, made with flesh so that He could live like us, experience all of our trials and tribulations and be made into a perfect sacrifice for our sins. He was called the great High Priest because He intercedes for His people as a perfect priest – He’s never sinned, but He has been tempted and understands our weaknesses.
Tucked away in that manger over 2000 years ago was one of the most amazing gifts we’ve ever been given: an open door to Heaven. Through Jesus, God grants us entrance into His most Holy place that we might bring our deepest concerns to His feet. He opens up His heart and His ears to hear our every cry and to listen to each plea. He desires to commune with us and to give us what we truly need: mercy and grace.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
So, God’s gift to us isn’t just the ability to look forward to an eternity in heaven with Him, but the opportunity to come to Him NOW with our every need and to trust that He hears, He cares and He answers prayer.
I believe that God answers prayer, but I know some people who doubt it because they haven’t seen dramatic changes in their lives. I wonder, have you? Have you experienced the truth of this Scripture – the amazing connection we can have with God? Have you seen His answers to prayer and known the fellowship of communicating with our loving God?
Prayer is truly one of the greatest gifts God has given us; a confidence that He desires relationship with us and He is attentive to our needs. May you rejoice in this gift today!
Heather
You certainly do describe the best gift Heather.
Andie
Amen, Heather. How appropriate that my spam word is “Forgiven”.
Have I seen changes in my heart-life? Yes, even though I slip daily, I know that He changes my heart day-by-day.
Merry Christmas!