On Christmas Eve this year, discarded wrapping paper strewn all over the sunroom floor, we were all standing in the kitchen, feasting on Christmas goodies. Suddenly our grandson came running in from the other room and shouted, "I found another present under the tree!!"
"Who's it for?" his mother asked.
"It's for me!" was the reply.
"Well, you'd better open it." his mom suggested. Only too happy to obey, he quickly sat down and began to shred.
Look at the expression on our grandson's face. What emotions can you see? Joy? Excitement? Anticipation? Hope? Wonder? I saw all those in my grandson as he unwrapped his forgotten present.
After all the family had left my wife and I went to church and heard a message about the TRUE meaning of Christmas. The source of the message did not come from the typical Luke 2 Christmas story. It came from the Book of Philippians instead.
"5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross!" - 2 Philippians 2:6-8
The true meaning of Christmas is that Jesus, part of the Trinity, took human form, He became a servant and Jesus humbled Himself. He gave up nearly everything that He was. Why? So He could become "obedient to death". Death on a cross. For us.
After church I thought back on our grandson opening that package - the present that had been forgotten - and I wondered how many of us have left Jesus under the tree. Even though Jesus died "once for all" still many have yet to receive Him.
For those of us who have unwrapped our hidden present, Jesus, may we all have the look on our faces that our grandson had. As we talk about Jesus, as we live out our daily lives. When people look at us may they think about Him. May we take this most special and perfect of gifts and not let it be hidden under a tree, but let us unwrap it and wear it for all to see.
"Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." - Luke 2:10-11
Silent Night - Manheim Steamroller
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