I read an article in Ethics Daily by Colin Harris telling us to be sure to “open” the gift of Jesus we receive this Christmas.  I like that idea, but propose we go one step further and fully accept and use the gift God gives us.

We might remember waking up with anticipation on Christmas morning and running in to the living room to see a mountain of presents under the tree.  Our excitement is hard to contain, then finally, we get to open a present.  Of course we choose the biggest box assuming it will be the best gift.  We tear through the wrapping and then ……alas, it is something useful like socks or underwear. So the contents of the first gift are quickly discarded and it is on to the next one and the next one and the next one until we’ve unwrapped them all.  Sometimes we play with the wrappings and the boxes more than the actual gifts.

On the other hand, we are sometimes given the perfect gift. We open it up and it is just what we want and need.  We hold it, put it together, use it and can’t put it down.  As the recipient, we are filled with joy.  The giver is also filled with joy knowing they gave the right gift and that their effort is appreciated.

The parallel with Christmas is not hard to see.  God spent centuries preparing to give us the perfect gift.  Finally, it is time for us to receive or “open” this gift.  For some, we are dazzled by the celebration of Christmas, the lights, the songs, the food and the fun.  We like the “wrappings” around the holiday but the gift of Jesus is quickly put aside and forgotten.

God hopes we truly open and take full advantage of Jesus this Christmas.  In the much loved passage of Luke 2, the shepherds are terrified of the glory of God that shone around them.  So the first thing the angel told the shepherds in verse 10 was “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.”

This Christmas season there are loud voices telling us to be afraid.  But the message God sent to the shepherds is still valid for us.  “Do not be afraid.”  Almighty God himself is for us, so who can stand against us?  The good news of great joy is for all people.  We don’t need to be afraid of others.  Whoever they are and where ever they are from, let them come and experience the power of the Gospel message.  Then they too can open the gift of Jesus at Christmas.  Do we have an enemy?  The Bible says not fear, but love is the way to defeat them. 1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear.”

When we fully unwrap God’s gift at Christmas the fruit of the spirit as listed in Galatians 5 is ours.  Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control is our reward.  Please accept our Christmas greetings and let this be the year we truly accept and share the gift of Jesus and the Good News of great joy that is for all people.  Let’s make the Giver happy and unwrap and love his gift to us.

Merry Christmas!

Duane & Marcia