One Big Parcel

Exodus 15:11 Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you — majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? (NIV)

Christmas is an exciting, mystical time of year when we spend a great deal of time preparing, decorating, buying presents, and colourfully, tenderly wrapping them. I love baking puddings, Christmas cakes and candy, putting up the tree, and decorating it with ornaments, shimmering coloured lights and tinsel. It's a time of such excitement, waiting to watch the opening of presents given and received.

Did I say something wrong, or have I forgotten something? No, I don't think so.

I know the real reason for Christmas, and I know that a lot of the above is materialistic, but it is also filled with excitement, joy, and love, all in preparation.

In the same way, God prepared for us that Christmas long ago when He came in the Holy Spirit, through the Virgin Mary, to be born in the flesh. All heaven was filled with excitement, love, and joy. The angels sang praises, and the night sky was illuminated with a special shining star all aglow. And Jesus Christ was born, in God's preparation for our deliverance.

It is an exciting and mystical time, a most wonderful time of year. God came, and, really, it is beyond our comprehension. Deep in our souls we conceive through our faith the one great gift prepared and delivered to us this day. In our human frailty, we receive it all in one "big parcel", delivered and received in love, joy, and excitement, and with thanks.

Prayer: Almighty God, we come to You this day to give thanks for Your Son, and for the joy of giving and receiving. In all holiness, we have fellowship with You and with each other, after we have found and received what You have prepared and delivered — Your Son Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.