Please stop stressing
about buying the most unique (or expensive) Christmas gifts you can locate or
imagine. Fact is, you already have them. As you check out
the following story by Joseph Rebecky, you will consciously embrace the spirit
of gratitude and the wonderful fulfillment that is found in the most precious
of gifts.
As a young child I
remember running down the steps on Christmas morning and looking around the
tree for the biggest box. I always believed that within the biggest
box lay the most expensive and best gift.
But as time worked its wonders on my mind and soul, I realized that each
and every gift was special, unique and meaningful.
In fact, the presents
that I remember most are the gifts that came directly from the heart, such as
one of my mother’s handmade sweaters or scarves. Actually, Christmas
is not about the gifts themselves, but rather the expressions of love behind
the gifts. This Christmas I have already
been blessed to receive the most beautiful and amazing presents in the world,
the love of the special people in and around my life.
However, I know the
true meaning of Christmas is found in the word “giving.” So, this
Christmas, I pledged to search and search until I find the most incredible
gifts for some phenomenal people. I
spent many days in crowded stores and scanned numerous holiday catalogs, but
nothing seemed to stand out. As Christmas approached, I wondered if
I would ever find those “perfect” gifts. I decided to try the local
mall one last time. Perhaps I had missed an amazing store or some
awesome merchandise that had just hit the racks and shelves.
But as I quietly
passed from one store to the next, nothing caught my eye. Feeling
somewhat defeated, I slowly made my way toward the mall exit. But
before I could reach the door, I suddenly found my “perfect” gift.
No, this gift was not
found in a fancy and expensive department store. It will not be
wrapped in colorful Christmas paper and adorned with bright ribbons and
bows. Actually, this gift doesn’t have a receipt and it cannot be
returned or exchanged. So, where did I find this “perfect” gift
– and more importantly, what is it?
I found it in the eyes
of an elderly couple holding hands. I heard it in the playful words
between a grandfather and his grandson. I glimpsed it in a proud new
mother’s caress of her infant daughter.
Yes, my “perfect” gift
is LOVE. So this Christmas, I offer the gift of LOVE and believe
with all my heart that its recipients will treasure and keep it always. Well said, Joseph Rebecky.
We shall also make a
conscientious effort to truly treasure our loved ones – and all of us will be
supremely grateful for our most precious gift: “For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not
perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
Indeed, HE is the perfect Christmas gift!
Sisters and brothers,
be continually blessed and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO
MEET YOUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!
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