One More Gift [CHOOSING JOY by Katie Albers]

Yesterday morning, across the United States and the world, billions of people, believers and non-believers alike, paused for a few minutes to exchange Christmas gifts with their loved ones.  For a few brief moments, we were collectively kind to one another.  For one morning, so many people were smiling and peaceful.  Praise God!

For as much as we fuss about the commercialization of the celebration of the birth of Jesus, that emphasis on gifts has made this a day every year one in which everyone can feel excited.  No one is excluded from showing affection to their loved ones.  Because of this, the Christmas season is the perfect open door to the sharing of the Gospel.

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ” Luke 2:14-18 (NIV)

Let us be like the shepherds in the Christmas story.  If we know the Good News, let us use this worldly enjoyment of Christmas to tell others of our amazement at the great things God has done!

We cannot let Christmas be over just yet!  There is still one more gift to be given, the gift of peace in knowing Christ!  

At my own family celebration yesterday my mother shared these insights with us, and I could not help but to share them with you all.  Merry Christmas!