The UPS box was soaking wet. It had been delivered unprotected from the snow, wind and rain that had pelted the region. The return address announced it came from good friends several states away that were trying to beat the Christmas rush. Carefully, plying away the drenched cardboard, the contents had been packed in those plastic peanuts to keep the presents safe. Despite my friend’s best intentions, each gift was unwrapped to check for damage and regretfully we found mug handles broken and clothing soaking wet. I was more than disappointed that Big Brown had been so careless in their service. However, I prefer to reflect on the gift and the meaning behind each present. I felt blessed that there are people in my life who had taken the extra time and effort to send such special gifts. Many times we go out of way to show our appreciation for those special friendships. In our journey, we stumble and fail to say the perfect words or buy that perfect present. Despite those times when the end result did not come out as planned, it is our intent, our efforts that matter the most to Our Lord.
How many Christmases have you exhausted yourself in search of that one special gift for your child or friend, only to have it delivered, broken or lost in the process. Or your worse fear was realized when your child’s response was not as enthusiastic as you had hoped because you bought the wrong model number. Yikes! What a dummy you say to yourself.
Let me remind you that there will be a few broken packages and broken promises that make us sad. But there is hope on the horizon. The shining moment we are waiting for comes in a package wrapped in swaddling clothes to reach out to your heart and smile into your soul that you are one special gift in yourself. The Prince of Peace loves you always. That’s the true meaning of Christmas. It is not buying the perfect present or spending beyond your budget that matters to God. Our Savior appreciates your daily efforts that reflect the rays of His forgiveness, love and gratitude. No need for a gift, for you are God’s greatest gift to one another. Live in the Spirit of His undying love for you.
God prays for us as we reflect: “A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers one into the presence of the great.” (Proverbs 18:16).
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who worry that their gifts will not satisfy the receiver. Our gifts may arrive soggy and broken, however, it is our spirit of love that matters most to you.
