Christmas is once again upon us and I am glad for it! All those who understand what Christmas is truly about are full of joy. It is not the joy that is dependent on gift giving or receiving, for it recognizes that no gift here can compare with the gift that has been given to the world. It is the gift of eternal life that gives and keeps on giving, and it is not dependent on us at all. Christmas is not about us, but it is for us!
When I was a college student I had my first serious boyfriend, and Christmas that year was special. The interesting piece of it was that he had no money to buy me a gift, so consequently he decided we should just bypass the gift part of Christmas. I may have initially agreed, but at the eleventh hour I just knew when he came to Christmas Eve at my home, with my parents, and my family, I could not imagine that he would not have a gift.
Isn’t that what Jesus did for us? He gave to us what we could not purchase for ourselves, and with no expectation of our ability to pay him back. We know the story started long before the manger, and still goes on even after the cross. We received what could not be reciprocated. It was a gift given in joy, despite the pain and anguish, and it is a gift I thank Jesus for each day that I take a breath!
Hebrews 12:2 Amplified (looking away from all that will distract us and) focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith (the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity), who for the joy (of accomplishing the goal) set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down a the right hand of the throne of God (revealing His diety, His authority, and the completion of His work).