Three weeks ago we started a series of blogs on Christmas and we have considered many thoughts that have brought us to this time and place.
Before you rests a gift, a beautifully decorated gift. It is a nice size package, with shiny, thick light blue paper, perfectly creased and folded, appearing to be seamless. The lacy ribbon and big bow seem to be woven of fine gold. The pattern flawless and intricate that could only have been made by a master craftsman. The package itself is so beautiful that we almost want to leave it as is for fear of ruining it's beauty. We know while the outside is a thing of wonder that the gift lovingly placed inside is priceless. We consider how much someone had to give up for us to be holding such a gift. There was a great effort behind it, immense planning and time to deliver it in it's brilliance and beauty.
The ribbon is made of what Christ gave up for Christmas. His leaving His heavenly home to be God with us, Emmanuel, is a treasure in itself. We move slowly to embrace every moment as we untie the bow and ribbon. We gently place it next to us as we gaze into the gloss of the most amazing paper. We study the gift for the seam. We want to keep the paper in tact as we unwrap the box. We finally see it and realize how nearly invisible it is. Gently, we run our fingers along the seam until we find the tape that holds it together. Piece by piece, we gingerly peel back the tape to discover the place where we can gain access to the box. We peel away the beautiful paper, slowly folding it, laying it beside the bow and ribbon. As we lay it down, we think of the cost of the gift. Someone not only had to give up much that we can have such a gift, but they also had to pay for us to be the recipient of this treasure.
We look for slips of paper taped to the lid but there is no gift receipt with this gift as it is the right size and color for anyone that receives it. January will bring us no credit card bill, for this gift has been fully paid for. There was no product warranty purchased for our gift because it never fails, breaks or wears out. The warranty that comes with it is for a lifetime, no, for eternity.
We slowly and carefully open the box. We pull out the tissue paper protecting the gift. As we remove the last piece of tissue paper, we think, "How do I, of all people, deserve such a gift? I know I haven't been the best of people, I know I have messed up, I know I have hurt those around me at times." Our mind drifts off to envision some of the things that darken our past, yet when the last tissue paper is gone, so are the memories of those times. It is as if, well, the slate has been wiped clean.
We gaze into the box and we see freedom. We see freedom from condemnation. We see the box empty of sin as our sins have been wiped away. We understand that the gift giver has paid for our sins making us white as snow. We see that we have been set free not only from the sins of the past but also of the present and even the future. We see that salvation is ours, not because of anything we have done or not done but because of what the giver has done. We see that even though our flesh will one day die, our soul will go on for eternity. We understand we have been adopted into the giver's family and are an heir to the kingdom. We know we will live forever with the giver and feel no more pain or suffering. How can this be? How can this gift be given to us, to me? Can this be right? In the moment, we may feel embarrassed, thinking we have opened the gift meant for another. We realize there has to be a name tag on the bow. We can check that name tag, give it to the one it was intended for and apologize for opening their gift.
There it is! There is the tag. We turn it over to read, From: The Great Gift Giver, To: You ________ who believes. As you read the tag your name appears in the space between "You" and "who believes". It is yours, It is meant for you. It is in your hand and all you have to do is accept it. Just believe and accept it.
With one last thought you look around the room to make sure someone isn't staring at you thinking you have their gift. Amazingly, everyone you look at is holding the same size box with the same paper and the same bow. Some have opened it and are smiling the biggest smile. Some are still looking at it with caution, completely wrapped. Some sit in wonder with streams of tears running from their eyes. For all, it certainly is the "Good News" told of in the Christmas story. For all, it has been paid in full. For all, it is a gift.
"They were terrified, but the angel reassured them "Don't be afraid!" He said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior - yes, the Messiah, the Lord - has been born this day in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snuggly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger." Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others - the armies of heaven- praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased". NLT
Do not be afraid, this is the long awaited for "Good News!" The Savior, the Messiah, Christ the Lord has come among us to bring about the great gift we hold in our hands.
This day, rejoice and praise God with all the heavenly host! Cry out to God, "Glory to You in the highest ! For that day, the Savior came among us, to do what had to be done, that we be saved to live with Him for all time. Hallelujah!