The Gift That Keeps On Giving
Christmas is approaching so very quickly. I love Christmas. I have always loved Christmas. However, it is funny because my reasons for loving Christmas have changed over the years.
When I was a child, I loved Christmas because it meant that I was going to be getting new toys. I see that now in my own children. Our youngest boys cannot watch television without these words coming out of their mouths, “Dad, I want that.” Yet, that is the way children look at Christmas and if we don’t like it, well we have only ourselves to blame.
Paul said, “When I was a child I spoke as a child…but when I grew up I put away childish things” (I Corinthians 13:11). I have to admit, I still like getting at least something under the tree (at 47 years of age), but now Christmas is more about giving to others. Giving to our children and giving to our loved ones and friends. While our children are clamoring for the latest gadget or toy, the most important thing we can give is not something you purchase at a store. The greatest gift we can give is our unconditional love. Unconditional love is often a difficult gift to give, but it is the most enduring and the most needed gift.
Here is a thought. This Christmas, take a box, it does not matter the size and put nothing but your unconditional love in that box. Wrap the box up and put it under the tree for your family and friends. When they open it up and find it to be empty of the latest gadget or toy, tell them that the box contains the most important gift you could give, your unconditional love. That is a real gift. A gift that keeps on giving.
God bless you,
Pastor Gary
