12 hours Ago
Our family has lots of special Christmas day memories. One of the most special in our home occurred 11 years ago. The conversation among our four children and Cheryl in the fall of 2013, was about getting a pet.
Of course, there was only one animal to discuss in my mind: a dog. However, I downplayed the idea of getting another dog, reminding them how sad we were, as a result of our last dog that had run away in the woods. They were unaware that I had already started a search for a little Yorkie to give Cheryl for Christmas.
A few weeks before Christmas I found some cute little puppies that had been born in Augusta. On Christmas Eve, my daughter and her husband went to get the tiny precious puppy. Christmas morning came early, it was brimming with the excitement of gifts surrounding the tree.
As was our custom, the kids opened their gifts first, then Cheryl and I would open ours last. The final gift to open was a small box under the tree for Cheryl. Upon opening it, she found a handwritten clue that sent her and the kids on a treasure hunt of clues that led them around the house.
Of course, the excitement continued to build as the kids helped her with each clue. The final clue guided them to a small box behind a couch in our sunroom and when she opened it to her great surprise there was our new puppy. The kids went crazy, and Cheryl lit up like a Christmas tree! To this day she shares that it is the greatest Christmas gift I’ve ever given her.
It was a gift that she never planned to receive. It was a total surprise! The same can be said about that first Christmas. God had been silent for 400 years since the final chapter written by the prophet Malachi.
The earth was dark and quiet. The prophecy of a future Messiah now was a distant memory to the people. The shepherds were tending their sheep one night when they were interrupted by a bright light that shone around them.
Luke can take it from here, "10 But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests'" (Luke 2:10-14). It was the surprise of all surprises! It was God’s indescribable gift for all the world, and it arrived as a little baby in the manger.
Jesus came to give us joy like we’ve never known. He offers us His peace. He came to save us from our sin.
He is our Savior and King! Thanks be to God for His greatest Christmas gift! His birth brought Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace for all mankind. As you reflect on those four attributes, which one are you in most need of this Christmas? Why? Take some time to explain with those that you celebrate Christmas with this week. Pray and thank God for His greatest gift on that first Christmas.
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