The Perfect Gift
It's Christmas Eve. And I'm sitting here, writing this post, very late, I might add, and I'm reminiscing over this very different holiday season, and I am feeling ALL the things.
I'm wondering where December went, because for me, it FLEW by. It's been busy and hectic, and if you've been following my Christmas card saga, you know I've been VERY upset about shipping. We've had hardships and stress this month, and it's been crazy just trying to get everything ready. As a result, I've been very short in the Christmas spirit department.
But now, with Christmas just one day away, and with a bunch of things left to do on my list, and still waiting on things to arrive for everything to be complete, I'm feeling grateful.
To be extra clear, I am not ready for Christmas, not one bit. My house is not clean, and I'm pretty sure I skipped cleaning completely this week. I have laundry that I have to do, last minute gift wrapping, Christmas cards to get out, a Christmas fettuccine to make, and I should probably work out because I've been eating cookies like it's my job. Oh, and this post. The one I’m writing 3 hours after it should have been published.
But, my heart is so ready. Right now, on Christmas Eve morning, I'm ready for Christmas.
I am so ready for Jesus to enter this world.
Full disclosure: I'm on my couch, writing this and a single tear is rolling down my cheek at how grateful I am that Christmas is here.
I'm sitting here feeling like the Grinch, surprised as heck that Christmas "came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags."
I'm not "ready" per se, but isn't that kind of the point?
Jesus didn't come because we were “ready” for Him. Jesus came because we needed Him.
Let me repeat that.
Jesus came because we need Him.
He was and is the very first, and very best, Christmas gift. For all of us.
We needed him because we are broken people, and He is the only thing that can heal our hearts.
At the end of the most insane year I've ever lived through, it seems there is more brokenness and pain than ever. That’s some pretty bad news, and I have a tendency of handling bad news with "Well, the good news is...."
So, the good news is...
"The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:10-14
If you're not "ready" for Christmas yet, friend, join the club. I don't know a single soul who is 100% ready, logistics, emotions and all, for Christmas. And that is perfectly okay.
Because Jesus is not your aunt who is going to inspect your home for cleanliness. Jesus does not require a full, 5 course meal. And Jesus does not expect the perfect gift.
He is the perfect gift.
Merry Christmas!