Christmas gift

What is the emotion that seems to be highlighted at Christmas? Perhaps, happiness, or joy. Either you have it or you feel lost because it seems an unreachable goal.

Being a follower of Jesus, does not mean you will live happy lives daily? Life is not about having happiness and easy joy, it’s about having challenges that we overcome with God/ Jesus. What do I mean ?

Jeremiah 29:11-14 NLT [11] For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. [12] In those days when you pray, I will listen. [13] If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. [14] I will be found by you,” says the LORD. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”

Despite the hustle and bustle of Christmas and the voice of “Give me, give me,” stuff in the world: money, Teslas, the perfect makeup application, the newest expensive clothing, or a tech gadget, do not bring happiness. Yes, temporarily, we may feel a rush of dopamine ( the feel good hormone) but the zap of joy is temporary.

How many times do you open a present, smile and then grab for another? These physical boxes can’t fill the spot saved for Jesus especially at Christmas.

The next time you go to your favorite shopping mall, ponder this. The music is loud on purpose, it drowns out your thoughts with Christmas songs. But the songs don’t bring peace,instead you feel rushed to gather more and more materials of the world. The next thing you know, you are at cash register with many more items than you had planned, or budgeted.

Whether you are a parent or not, Christmas gives an opportunity to share the reason for the season, Jesus. Everyone can reflect each year this amazing story of love.

Pause a moment, what is Christmas really about? The awe of a baby in a manger, Jesus. Emmanuel means “God with us”. Our Father in heaven took on the lowly place of humanity when He came to earth bringing the promise of eternal relationship with our Creator.

Jesus loves you, He came to the earth to represent that love. Jesus is the place to find joy! Presents are helpful but His joy and provision over our lives is priceless. Pick His gift that lasts.

We may not believe we deserve the free gift of Jesus. He knows our faults, and still came to bring eternal life. Reflect on your life and meditate on the past choices made for a moment. Then open your heart, mind and soul.

The amazing thing about Jesus and His free gift is He still waits for us to take the leap of faith. He’s waiting for us to choose Him, repent of our pride and self consumed mind and turn to Him with humility.

Reach out to the perfect gift, Jesus. Speak aloud this prayer: I want to receive what you have for me, Lord, Forgive me for pushing you aside while I walked to my life in the past years. But right now I want to return to your plan or know you, Jesus. Help me to receive Your free gift, Help me to walk with You. In the name of Jesus.”

I pray for you realize you are not alone. Don’t be afraid!

Joshua 1:9 says “be strong and courageous do not fear for the Lord your God is with you”. But you have to take His hand with an open mind and heart and be ready to receive what He has for you!