Pre-Christmas Gifts

I’ve always been a fan of what I call pre-Christmas gifts. You know, the ones you receive through the month whether in the mail from friends far away, or from co-workers, friends at church, etc. who won’t see you on the actual Day.

After unwrapping, I always keep each one under the tree and look at them often. I think it’s because they speak love to me. Annual gifts like See's Candies and the White House ornament. A week or so ago, I got a box in the mail that was filled with “things I knew you’d love, that made me think of you”. This is my favorite thing. That and giving my own pre-Christmas gifts.

Usually these manifest themselves in festive items to enjoy while we wait for the real gifts that will be given on the 25th. Holiday flavored drinks, seasonally scented candles and shower gels, most anything sparkly. If it’s shiny, I’m probably going to buy it for someone I love and want to delight.

In the early mornings this Advent season, I look at the gifts we’ve received so far and am grateful to have been thought of.

Interestingly, once December arrives, my countdown to Christmas disappears. This month, all these days are what I’ve been waiting for and they are here. No need to rush through. As I work through my Advent study, which is dated, I see the days disappearing and dread the end. Sure Christmas Day is the best day, but afterward, the glitter fades and I hate that.

As I said in a previous post, I invite God to show up and show off during Advent. To come and show Himself, like He did in Bethlehem. Like He will again one day yet to be determined. To give gifts that will make us marvel at His love, generosity and presence.

So this week I've been spending those early minutes of the day making a list (lists are life!) of all the pre-Christmas gifts God has already given me from the whole year and especially these last few weeks.

The one thing (I thought) I wanted the most was not given and probably won’t be. This is ok because the aforementioned list supersedes any notion I may have had of what the heart really desires.

As usual, God has exceeded my expectations (His Ephesians 3:20 specialty). I’m overwhelmed. He loves His children. He gave the best gift ever - salvation which Jesus brought with Him from heaven - not just for “His people” but for all. For me. And for you. And He continues to lavish us with presents and presence.

These gifts come in many different sized packages. James 1:17 tells us “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (Christmas lights?).

Every gift you and I will receive comes from Him. He is the greatest gift giver of all time and I am the happy recipient this morning.

Like Joseph and Mary marveled at all the words Simeon spoke about Jesus in the temple eight days after He was born (this from today’s study - why you must take time for Advent in case I haven’t mentioned it), I marvel that God is still giving gifts. And that He chooses to give them to me. This truth alone is worthy of marveling. (Can you tell marvel and all forms of the word are one of my favorites during this season?) God’s generosity and love are worthy of some marveling on my part and yours. If we notice, that is.

I bet if you took a few moments in the morning or at night, whenever things are quieter, and looked around, you’d find some unwrapped pre-Christmas gifts from God. And if you’re really in the mood, you will marvel.

Let’s do.

I’ll give you a few of mine to get you thinking.

1. Sweet resolution of what can at times be a tense, frustrating relationship, a joy robber. I’ve learned that praying for peace, letting God do works of the heart, and humbling myself “God, if I’m the problem here, please change me”, can be the catalyst for Him to do His best work of transformation. BIG praise hands!

2. God moved my beloved firstborn, my beloved first daughter-in-law and my beloved first granddaughter back to Syracuse, close enough for regular visits!
Because it’s December and I have vacation time to burn, we’ve seen them every week (or every few days if you want to be exact) since their Thanksgiving week move. Gift! If you’re wondering, Drew is thrilled too. Just ask him. Or maybe don’t.




3. A church to become our new family, where we are led in worship and learning more of who God is and what He gives and what He expects from His children. Blessing!

4. Snow outside!
5. Gifts purchased with love for others under the tree.
6. Children coming home for Christmas.

You get the idea.

What if we realized that the greatest gifts aren’t going to be under the tree (did I just say that?) but are quite possibly already given, already surrounding us?

This could change everything, namely our expectations and focus and capacity for joy and gratitude. I don’t know about you, but that’s what I want our holidays to look like. You too?

Well, you know what to do. Don’t waste a minute - start noticing (for extra credit, make a list, check it twice) then thank the Giver.

Feel free to give a few pre-Christmas gifts too (a few days left!), this is also life-giving.


PS. If you’re reading this, Scott Burtis, you did not hear me say I don’t want any presents. I don't think you ever will.

Lastly, gratuitous grandbaby pic. Marvelous.

The Thrill of Hope

The news this week seems to match what's happening outside. The days are getting darker. Do you feel it? Political parties striking opponents with venom every news cycle. Constant conflict and mayhem. Random acts of evil resulting in mass numbers of death. Sexual predators accused and exposed. We are living in a very dark time.

This isn't the only time in history, of course, that has been so dismal and discouraging, scary even. Can you imagine the 400 years spanning the end of the Old Testament history through the first coming of Christ, The Baby born in Bethlehem?

400 years of God's silence. No sound from God for generations. Take that in for a second.

For all of history prior, God had spoken to man in many ways. At first, He walked and talked with man. Sometimes He appeared in a cloud or a pillar of fire. Sometimes a manifestation of His Son showed up. Sometimes He sent an angel to carry His message. Other times He spoke through prophets. But make no mistake, God's presence was known and felt. Ignored, denied and disobeyed perhaps, but always palpable.

Until the darkness set in and He stopped speaking. No more words. No more appearances. Just silence.

We've never known this kind of black emptiness, which must have been staggering and frightening, not to mention seemingly endless. We've seen bleak days, that's for sure. Granted, there are times when God seems quieter than others. We ignore, deny and disobey the order God intended for mankind just like our ancestors. We've witnessed the depravity of man's sin against mankind in countless hideous ways through the generations, and we know there is demonic activity but we've not been without God's presence in our midst.

How do I know? We have the Bible, His preserved, inspired Word in print, easily available to most. Also, because we have the Holy Spirit living inside Christ-followers giving testimony to God at work in a life.

Those living when B.C. became A.D. on the kingdom calendar were in desperate need of rescue, of a Light to shine in the darkness, of a Savior. Sin had taken over and no one could remedy it. (Sound familiar?) Those who knew the prophecies and believed the promises God made were hoping and watching for Him and they got what they were looking for. The first Advent.

This glorious story of Jesus' first physical entry into the world can become buried beneath American Christmas fluff but make no mistake, it is always there. It's in the books, the songs, the movies, the hearts of believers, the spirit of gratitude and generosity.

Fast forward 2017 years. We, too, are living in a dark time. If we're not careful we can become scared, discouraged, hopeless God forbid.

What a gift that tomorrow starts Advent season, a time to remember and a time to be hopeful for rescue because sin is running rampant and we need a Savior desperately. Our only Hope. The thrill of hope!

The Gospels give us a play by play of the birth story of Jesus, Savior of the world. (Read it for yourself in the beginning of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.) But there's more.

Throughout the rest of the New Testament more promises are made for Jesus' second coming. He will be coming again to collect those who've entered God's family by placing their faith and trust in Jesus. Those whose sins are forgiven and removed as a result of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection.

I remember when one of our sons took this major step in his life journey. He'd been asking to "pray the prayer" and "ask Jesus in his heart" for some time, but we didn't rush it until we felt he had complete understanding. That day came when he was sitting in the bathtub talking to me.

"It's just that I'm sick of sinning, Mom."
Whoa.

Yes, indeed.
As I read the headlines and look in the mirror, I'm sick of sin and sinning too.

Come, Lord Jesus, we need You.

God always keeps His promises. Jesus is going to come back. I hope His return will be in my lifetime. What a glorious day that day will be! And I hope it's at Christmas time, when we are especially watchful and aware.

Until then, let these truths take root in your heart.

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more,

neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore,

for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4

And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun,

for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. Revelation 22:5