A Gift that Lasts Over Time

I just saw a blurb from the movie, The Nativity. It just reminded me that we just take for granted what Joseph and Mary went through to fullfill the purpose God had for their lives in bringing us the Messiah. As I sat here pondering just that I believe we also take Christmas for granted. What does Christmas mean to you? Gifts, decorations, family, Jesus?

A few Sunday's ago at a family night gathering, the staff and their spouses were asked to tell about a Christmas gift or special memory.  Out of every story told that Sunday evening, we all shared how it was not any particular gift that we had received but the love that surrounded each Christmas. And while there was no gift that stood out to last over a lifetime, the real meaning of Christmas did last a lifetime. God's love never changes and that perfect gift that he gave us over 2000 years ago is still just as precious today as it was then. Jesus is the only gift that will not tarnish and rust away. 

During this Christmas let us not take Christ for granted. Take time now to tell him how precious he is to you.  Give the gift of Jesus this year. Better yet allow him to love others through you throughout the year. I believe that Jesus left his disciples (his followers) to be his arms of love. 

Scripture: For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Prayer: Dear Father, Thank you for loving us so much that you gave my most precious one as a gift to us that we by accepting him could love you and each other. Help me to honor, worship, and praise you by showing love to others, not just during this Christmas season but throughout the year.