The Gift

            Christmas day has come and gone. Some have already taken down decorations and neatly packed them away until next year. Their home is “back to normal” or whatever that means. For others, we have not picked up all of the wrapping paper carnage left from the morning’s melee. Presents are still stacked under the tree and the thought of taking it down needs another nap to consider the energy required. We are taking our time about “getting back to normal.” Can you tell from which ilk I hail?

            Sunday a friend said he wished we had the spirit of Christmas all year long. I agree. There is generally a kinder, sweeter spirit in the air and with people. Sure, there are Scrooge’s but in a broad general way people are quicker to help and kinder during the Christmas season. Unfortunately that mood gets packed up with all of the other seasonal decoration until sometime next year. It’s like we receive the greatest gift EVER given Jesus and do nothing with him. One ordinary night in the fields like countless before becomes this EXTRA-ordinary event when aliens (angels) show up inviting shepherds to come see Jesus and they do nothing. Nothing, they are like Chevy’s “like a rock” they just sit there or Ford’s found-on-the-road-dead. Now that is NOT what happened. The shepherds did something they went and saw and then returned to their flocks telling all who would listen and probably some who wouldn’t what they had seen and heard all the while praising God.
            Here are some suggestions for your POST-Christmas life to be sure you get the most out of this amazing gift. Jesus, God with us, moving into the neighborhood. So, since he is here will you:

·         Make room for Him. Our lives are so full that too often we fail to set aside the old and make a place for the new. There are some old habits and attitudes that need to be gotten rid of to make a place for Jesus.

·         Take Him. Have you ever been given a gift and then failed to take it home? I have. Sometimes it is simple forgetfulness but other times it is a blatant disregard for the gift given. If you are serious about Jesus, have made room for him, take him then make Him yours.

·         Hold Him. When my oldest Elizabeth was young it was my duty and privilege to rock her to sleep at night. We would get all warm and cozy in that rocker and more than once did I wake up to her staring me in the eyes. It was good work when you can get it a child asleep in your arms. Jesus desires to hold us. Just sit still and be held and hold on to Him.

·         Live in Him. If we make room, take Him and hold Him then it is a simple step to live like Him letting Him live in us. Make him Lord of your life not just Savior.

Jesus is an EXTRA-ORDINARY gift. Peter says of the gift of Jesus…let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.”” 1 Peter 16 The Message

In HIS Service and yours,

Bro G