Some years back our own, six years old at the time, was repeatedly asked what he wanted for Christmas. Apparently, my wife and I took it upon ourselves to take care of all things fun, which meant one thing – toys! Evidently, our extended family took the responsibility to balance the gift giving with the practical, which meant one thing – clothes. Our big mistake was having the larger gift exchange on Christmas Eve, a full twelve hours before all of the fun presents would be opened.
I saw slight disappointment in my little boy’s eyes when he opened a box that disclosed the first sweater. His face actually contorted as he continued to find more sweaters, shirts, and pants. We had a full meltdown when underwear and socks were pull out of the final box.
Christmas is a time of gift-giving, and once again we are reminded of the greatest gift exchange ever. God knows exactly what we need on both the fun and practical levels. His gifts of love, acceptance, forgiveness, companionship, and heaven were purchased by Jesus and hand-delivered by the Holy Spirit. Each expression of God’s love is timely, always fits, never wears out, will never be discarded, and lights up my face!
My gifts to God always seem so insignificant and inadequate. I mean, what can you give someone who literally has everything? Perhaps this is the challenge of true discipleship – my earthly body is presented as a living gift for God’s use and purpose.
Years have passed since my son received all those sweaters. He’s married now with a new baby and serves a growing and exciting congregation in California. I fondly recall helping him unwrap God’s gift of eternal salvation one evening, and I am reminded of how it is the greatest gift
exchange ever.