Tuesday, December 27, 2011

The Perfect Gift

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,. ” James 1:17 (NIV)

Opening gifts on December 25th is the highlight of Christmas Day for many. My mother was the biggest kid in our house at Christmas time. One year, the excitement for an expected gift motivated my mother to insist that her family stay up until one minute after midnight, Christmas morning, to open that present.

To keep us all awake and together, Mom cooked a large feast filled with the savory aroma of candied sweet potatoes, the enticing smell of roasted turkey gravy and the alluring fragrance of bubbling melted cheese in her famous dish, old-fashioned macaroni and cheese.

Belt loosening full were we, when at the stroke of midnight December 24th, Mom quickly gathered us around our Christmas tree. It was decorated with brightly glowing colored lights, and perched on the highest tree limb was our traditional chirping bird ornament. She couldn’t wait to open her highly desired present. She expected a diamond engagement ring, but instead she got diamond earrings. With a smile on her face and disappointment in her eyes, she opened her remaining gifts.

Personal reactions to gifts opened are always unpredictable, no matter how much time, effort and thought the gift buyer puts into it. While we shop for gifts, let us also remember to give the gift of the gospel of Jesus Christ and open the good and perfect gift of Salvation for someone this Christmas.

Father, as we prepare for family gatherings, attend Christmas programs, and shop till we drop, remind us that Christmas can’t be purchased in a store. Help us to remember to share your good and perfect gift, Jesus Christ, this Christmas season.

© 2011 Danielle Martin Moffett

2 comments:

Christy said...

Well done. You get the point across without being "preachy." Did she ever get that ring? :)

Danielle Martin Moffett said...

Hi Christy,

Thank you for your comment. She did get the ring at a later time. Happy New Year to you!!!