Instead I stayed behind at my sister's house with the dog. I wore my pajamas as I washed my laundry, cleaned her kitchen, straightened up the table then rested in the recliner for a little bit of Christmas cartoons.
When everyone came home the house was bustling with some excitement and tiredness. I still had one major gift to wrap with one of my nieces. Once that was done I asked my other niece to help put my gifts under the tree. Then it was time for sleep.
When morning came almost everyone was up before me, including my Mom. We were all chit-chatty as my sister was talking to her one son that was driving over. As soon as he, his girlfriend and his daughters were there we'd begin opening gifts. She had the pleasure of waking the two oldest boys upstairs who were up gaming most of the night!
This year, I realized something pretty special that we've been doing since the children were born and blended. All of their gifts are opened at their Mom/Stepmom and Dad/Stepdad's house. My other sister and I have always brought our gifts to their house. My Mom has either shipped or brought them down with her. They've never had to travel to another house on our side of the family. Even my Dad would give his gifts to my sister to put under the tree.
The reason that struck me this year is because of the gifts they gave to one another and to us. When children are small some parents pick out what they should give someone. Since my sister's children have been small, I've given them money to pick out their gifts for one another on their own. They've learned how to think about someone else and what would make them happy. Not about what would make themselves happy. Huge difference.
On Christmas Day, they hear the gift passer-outer read out who the gift is "to" and who the gift is "from". Sometimes we make up silly names for both. The giver watches their recipient open their gift with great anticipation. A big smile and a big laugh and a thank you!!
Inside each recipient, is a warm feeling of love.
Their giver knew exactly what they would want and what would make them happy.
Inside each giver, is a warm feeling of love.
They knew what every family member was going to be given.
A gift, just for them, that would bring happiness and joy.
If you think about it, that's what God did for us over two thousand years ago.
God chose Mary to give birth to His Son, Jesus. When it was time, Joseph and Mary (quite pregnant with Jesus), went home to Bethlehem for the Census, excited about the coming birth of Jesus. When he was born, they wrapped him in swaddling clothes and placed Him in a manger. (See Luke 2)
God knew we needed a Savior. He knew He needed innocent blood, shed by His Son, as payment for our sin. He knew He couldn't make us receive that gift but just the same, He offers it to us. Nothing else can substitute it. We have to receive it as a gift - humbly from the Giver.
So the question is:
Have you admitted to God that you are a sinner, believed that Jesus Christ died as payment in full for all your sin and confessed your need for Jesus so that He can teach you how to live?
If not, why not?
You might want to spend some time writing or thinking about it.
Sometimes a pro's and con's list can help.
