Wrappings and Ribbons

I was just thinking about - - - -

The rush to plan and prepare for Christmas is now past. The rush to get to stores for after-Christmas sales and to return unwanted (or unneeded) items has begun. It might be though of as The Great American Comedy, or The Great American Tragedy!

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One of the Primary Candidates for President thought an innovative idea was to show wrapped packages with beautiful ribbons and to discuss what was represented in each package - from health care to immigration reform, etc. Sadly, we know those are empty boxes and empty promises - well intentioned but resulting in non-fulfillment and disappointment.

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Back to the Christmas Tree and the Packages that were under and around it - I observed the children with their anticipation regarding the packages both large and small. When given the signal, they literally ripped open the packages to see what "stuff" they had received. And then, there was mess, parts and pieces (some missing), excitement, some disappointment, incorrect sizes, intrigue and interest in the younger child's toys and gifts, and preoccupation with electronic games... And - so it went, and so it is.

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I couldn't help but think of the yards of ribbon that had been purchased and used; the many feet of wrapping paper; the boxes and packages - and all so quickly carried to the trash. And my mind went to God's gift to us - His Son, and the Angel Proclamation in Luke 2:8-15...

That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!" Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others – the armies of heaven – praising God: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors. When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Come on, let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

His wrapping was not costly and decorative paper and ribbons - but "wrapped snugly in strips of cloth"! He wasn't found under a Christmas Tree that was brightly lit and decorated but in a Manger located in a stable because there were no available rooms left in the Inn.

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But this Gift of God was filled with meaning and promises. This is Jesus Who will save His people from their sins! This is Jesus Who willingly set aside all of the prerogatives of Heaven and Glory so He could redeem His people. This is Jesus Who humbled Himself and made Himself of no reputation - Who one day will be given The Name that is above every name - that at the name of JESUS, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is LORD to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:5-11).

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Does this Gift fill you with excitement, and expectation, and gratitude? Does this Gift satisfy your every longing? Does this Gift captivate your attention above all else? This is Jesus - God's Gift of Love to all!

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16