Christmas Gifts that Include Other Gifts
The wrapping paper was torn and thrown from one end of our den to the other. When you have three young boys opening presents on Christmas morning saving the wrapping paper is one of those nice ideas that does not have a chance. Each child had waited patiently for their turn to open their presents. We always start with the youngest child opening all their presents first, then the next oldest, all the way up to the oldest adult. That way we can all look at and appreciate each and every gift each person receives. When everyone had opened their gifts and it looked like the morning gift opening time was over I said to the boys, “Oh, I must have forgotten, I think there is one more gift and this one is for all three of you.” You should have seen their eyes when I walked into the den with a large box the size of a stove, all wrapped up with a huge red bow. I love the giving of Christmas gifts. I realize that we have to keep a proper perspective on gift giving, including not going into debt and refusing to allow greed or guilt to motivate us. And while I understand many go overboard I still believe gift giving can be a great joy, especially when our gift has other gifts inside of it. The truth is Christ is the greatest gift that has ever been given, and he is a gift full of many other gifts. Our boys tore into that big box. When they opened the flaps there was a look of confusion, for they were staring at a bunch of crumpled up newspaper. They quickly figured something great had to be inside so they started pulling out paper like prospectors looking for gold. The first thing they found was a small toy airplane. I told them this gift was a puzzle they had to figure out. Deb had a small poem or rhyme on each toy giving them hints. Their first guess was that I was buying the family a plane. I suggested they keep digging. The next toy was a small car. I told them, no, we were not getting a new car. As crumpled newspaper exploded out of that box as fast as three sets of hands could throw it out, they then found a map. They were guessing we were going on a trip. They excitedly got to the bottom and found a stuffed Goofy toy. As best I can remember Deb’s rhyme said something about our going to his home and one of the boys finally screamed out, “we’re going to fly to Disney World!” I think they were almost as excited about flying as they were about Disney World. There were many gifts in that gift. Christ is the ultimate gift. And when we receive the gift of Christ we get so many other gifts as well. Yes we get the gift of eternal life, the greatest gift any of us will ever receive. Jesus is also the Prince of Peace, and he provides peace with God, and a personal peace that guards our hearts and minds. Jesus is also our joy and because of him we can always rejoice, regardless of our circumstances. He also gives us the gift of love, acceptance and the forgiveness of sin. Don’t let all the presents under the tree keep you from unwrapping the greatest package of gifts you will ever receive, the gift Christ. I pray this will be your best Christmas ever.
