Nothing warms the heart more than to see the excitement in a child’s eyes at Christmas. Children will be honest with their reactions of joy or tears when sitting on Santa’s lap. They learn early on what Christmas is about and what it means to celebrate the 25th of December.
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3
We forget that children are a gift and are not to be taken for granted. From the second they take their first breath, like it or not, we become their teachers. Most of what they will learn comes from watching what their parents do.
I’ll be the first to admit my guilt with life lessons towards a greater anticipation of a visit from Santa rather than a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus whose gift of earthly life changed the entire world—for all time.
Can you remember every toy you received as a child? I remember a couple of dolls but have no idea where they are today. Toys are here today and gone tomorrow but the gift of eternal life is here today and will be with us tomorrow.
My children transformed the way I look at Christmas because anything I buy them would never compare to the life-giving blood of Jesus Christ. He’s more than a baby in a manager; He is God incarnate. Think of your own children, or children you know…could you give them away to die a horrible death to make a way for eternal life?
Three years ago the Lord opened the door to my daughter’s eternal home and just this past summer He did the same for my mother. No doubt Kellie knows how Heaven feels about Christmas. I’m sure she’s ready to show her grandmother how Heaven celebrates! The lasting gift of Jesus made it possible for them to be with God; not toys under the tree.
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Give the gift of Jesus because one day…it will be the only remembered treasured gift.
Merry Christ-mas!
