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What to get God for Christmas

Jesus left perfect surroundings, relationships and glory to be born into squalor. He was homeless before birth. His father was a carpenter in a culture where carpentry was a despised trade. His, mother though young and giving birth to her firstborn, had no attendant nurses, helpers or friends. Rather than a pristine hospital, birth was given in the filthy stench of a stable. Romantic? Hardly. This sacrifice brought a life of hardship.

Why? Why this odd story? Obedience.

 God's gift to humanity was His son. Jesus' gift was obedience to the Father. He paid the greatest price. Not because we are special but because he loves His Father. His gift was the perfect gift. Our Father wants obedience for Christmas and every other day for that matter.

 In Brazil Christmas is becoming commercialized. A phenomenon familiar for years in the United States tickles a growing economy. There is little time for meditation on God's Gift. There are no chestnuts roasting or Jack Frost nipping but there is plenty of hustle and bustle on city streets as December 25 draws near and the perfect gift is still not purchased.

 Why? Why all the fuss? Good question. Last Saturday Dawn had nine little ones in her Bible Club class. She always tells the Christmas story at this time of year. She said to the nine, "Why do we celebrate Christmas?" "SANTA!" was the answer.

 Our hearts drop and we sigh with sadness at the little one's response. However, I wonder how many Stateside kids know the true meaning of our December 25 celebration. Brazil is a spiritually rich country. It is just that most of that spirituality is in disobedience to the Holy God who desires our obeisance.

 Now think about your celebration of this precious season. As your family gathers around a lush dinner table or around a tree lush with presents or even in you luxurious church auditorium to listen to a cantata, could it be that this Christmas you might give God the present that He desires most, your obedience? Could it be that obedience might lead you to do what Jesus did; leave your perfect surroundings, relationships and glory to go to a less desirable place? Would you give what Jesus gave?

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