Love, The Greatest Gift

If we’re truly honest and strip off every facade, what we most want to do at Christmas is bring a smile to someone’s face. We desire to gift them with something especially thought out just them. Something which will make them feel valued and treasured. We want them to know we care. 

That’s love. 

We want those around us to be provided for. Our deepest heart longs for them to have plenty of good food to eat, good health and a cozy, peace-filled home with a sturdy roof over their head. We want them to feel grounded and secure. 

That’s love. 

We wish them family relationships which are whole and functional. Times of togetherness, bonding and the making of beautiful memories. Friendships which are godly, help them grow and which will bless their lives. We want them to feel connected and included. 

That’s love. 

We want their burdens to be light to none, their hearts to be full of joy and their mind to be settled and contented. We want all to be well in their souls. 

That’s love. 

While we desire all the best blessings and experiences for those people we hold dear to our hearts; there are times when things just don’t seem to fall into place like we’d hope. Life happens, we live in a sin-filled, fallen world; that pretty much sums it all up. Period. 

I suppose what we really want them to have is something that can’t be obtained here on this earth. Money can’t buy it and humans can’t conjure it up. What we truly desire for them can only be experienced in Heaven and can only be given by a Sovereign God. A place where there are no tears, no darkness, no burdens, no death, no troubles, no hurts, no trials or fears. We desire for them a perfect life. 

That’s love. 

If you remember, the Bible says we were made in His image. So, it’s perfectly normal for us to desire the best blessings for others, and He too desires those things for us all. He gave...that all...

This is why He came to earth as a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes. That’s why He walked this earth day after day reaching out over and over again to people. He wanted them healed, whole and full. That’s why He died on the cross for us. He wanted to give us His best, that we would have eternal life with Him, free of all heartache and suffering. 

That’s love. 

So, this Christmas Eve and Day, as we celebrate His birth with one another, let’s remember although things may not look exactly like we’d like them to, this isn’t all there is. The greatest gift ever given was when God gave Himself to prepare a place for us. We don’t belong here in this world; we’re made for more. There are much better times just ahead. 

That’s love. Perfect love. 

There’s a perfectly designed gift for each of us. May our hearts rest securely in that greatest Gift and may our eyes continue to behold all the promises and hope of a heavenly home, our Savior and eternity beyond anything this world can offer. 

Merry Christmas to one and all!