My Christmas List

What do you want for Christmas? 

Really, what do you want for Christmas?  I was asked this question by the cashier at the grocery.  As a child, my list for Santa grew rather large.  It included clothes, sports equipment, Nintendo games, Gameboy, Computer games, etc.  I hopped up on Santa’s lap, spouted off the gifts, gave reason why I deserved such gifts and walked away in confidence that each gift would be under the tree Christmas morning. 

The morning came.  Santa traveled all night to spread cheer amongst every “good” kid around the world.  I opened each gift in joy and thanksgiving.  By the end of it all, I sat in a pile of wrapping paper, anticipating the day ahead of playing with all these toys.

As the years pass, Santa becomes a fictitious character, gifts come with less surprise and the enjoyment of Christmas morning fizzles a bit.  The gifts still received with joy and thanksgiving; but, now the giver revealed.  I now could hug and thank the giver in the flesh. 

So, coming back to the original question: What do you want for Christmas? 

Growing out of fiction and into reality of the true meaning of Christmas changes my requests.  The story revealed in God’s Word warms the hearts of thousands this season.  Our Creator loved us enough to send the greatest gift of all.  You cannot find this kind of gift in the stores, on Amazon or Craigslist.  You wouldn’t wait in anticipation for Black Friday sales to come, run out into the mob and find this gift.  The gift is beyond special.

God, our Creator, desired a relationship.  He desired to live amongst us.  He loved His Creation and wanted to walk alongside through this rough life.  One evening, many moons ago, Mary and Joseph traveled miles to provide His gift to the world.  A gift we do not earn.  We are offered the gift of salvation simply because He created us.  He wants us just as we are: broken, imperfect and lost.  He does not care of any accomplishments, trophies received, titles behind your name, etc.  He loves you!  He is your Father.

This Christmas, my list remains the same as years past.  I want relationship.  I want to make memories with loved ones and celebrate the blessings given by my Savior.  I want to appreciate the gift He provides. . .Himself. 

The past year has been difficult to say the least and it isn’t over yet; but, this season reminds me that I have Someone much bigger and stronger than any storm I face.  He will see me through.  Reflecting on the storms of the past that He carried me through, my faith grows and I am confident He will do what His promises state in the Bible. 

As the years pass, God reveals Himself to me at a greater level.  He never ceases to amaze me.  With each trial in life, I sit amongst the rubble of the path once traveled.  He begins to create a new path to travel with a stronger step, confident stride and greater faith.  Along this path, He asks one thing . . . to share the gift received to all I meet. 

Whatever your story, He desires you share it with others.  You will be a blessing.  You will spread the gift received and His Kingdom will grow.  As you sit and write out your list this year, remember that you already have all you need.  Go and spread the gift to others at each encounter this season.

Love to each of you this season!

    

¹⁰ And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”^[a]  Luke 2:10-14

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig