One of the things that I dread most about the Christmas season, however, is all the Christmas shopping that comes with it. It's very stressful to find the perfect gift for a loved one. In my case, I usually buy a gift and then lay eyes on something even better not even ten minutes later as I exit the mall. I constantly ask myself the question, "Why are gifts so important? What purpose do they serve rather than our materialistic wants and needs?" It's even more frustrating when you give someone a gift and a look of dissatisfaction immediately spreads across their face. Been there, done that- plenty of times- and it hurts.
I want to remind you of something- a very special gift.
The best part about this gift is that there is only one making of it.
You see, this gift was given in exchange for the gift of the very lives that we are living right now.
It is offered to not just you or me, but to the rest of the world who desires to have it as well- not just during the Christmas season, but through each season of our everyday lives.
This gift is unchanging, unlimited, unworthy, and completely undeserved.
With this gift, we are enabled to share and receive it, both at the same time.
This gift is the greatest gift of all, and His name is Jesus Christ.
He doesn't come in a nicely wrapped gift under the tree. He shines from above as He pours an infinite amount of love into our hearts as the sun rises and sets over the horizon each day. The love that God has for you is unfathomable, incomprehensible. You will never be able to fully comprehend the ways in which He longs for you and loves you. He desires a relationship with you. He gave everything He had for you, and me- US.
Folks, the greatest gift that you could ever give someone is the love of Jesus Christ. God performed the ultimate sacrifice when He gave His one and only son for us. US. Unlike other gifts, we know the cost of this gift, and it was indeed great. And He STILL gives! Every. Single. Day.
Open up your hearts. Invite Him in. Let Him live through you.
Live like Jesus. Love like Jesus. Walk with Jesus.
When you reach out in faith, you receive the greatest gift. I encourage you to unwrap it, embrace it, and live it as you share it. There is nothing in this world that compares to the uncontainable amount of joy you receive as you live your life in honor of the One who blessed you with such a wonderful gift.
So what are you waiting for?
because of Jesus,
Emily Lauren