The Gift

The tree is up, lights adorn it and every last ornament dangles from every single branch.  Gifts are discussed, bought, wrapped and tucked gently under the bottom branches.  Yet, in my daughter’s eyes, something is missing. With beautiful, heart-felt, child-like faith she asks to make a gift for God.  A gift full of love for her Heavenly Father straight from the tender heart of His little princess.

That small, sweet gesture cut straight to my heart. 

I have always celebrated Jesus’ birth during the Christmas season. But, would I be okay without all the gifts, goodies and myriad of luxuries? If I only had Jesus on Christmas or every other day of the year, as a matter of fact, would I still be full of Joy. Where does my heart truly lie this Christmas season? Is my heart filled with gratitude for the Best Gift ever given? I think so, but still I feel there is more for me to give.

My daughter’s gift to God made me stop and think. What am I willing to give my Savior?

My daughter makes paper hearts.  Or ornaments out of salt dough, filled with color and words of love.  Why shouldn’t I also send a gift straight from my heart to my Lord and Savior.

 

How about you? Are you willing to give God the only gift He desires?

This Christmas let’s give God our hearts. Not just the pretty and clean parts, but everything. God doesn’t require a pretty package all tied up with a flourishing bow. He wants us. He desires us.  So, no holding back bits and pieces because you think He won’t want what we have to offer.  Give Him everything. Even if it doesn’t feel safe or comfortable. Give the parts that have been held back. The fearful parts. The dirty parts. The addicted parts. The hurt parts. The depressed parts. The controlling parts. The faithless parts. He wants them all. He desires to carry your burdens. To God this is the best gift ever, our hearts placed in His hands.

He is the Lord Almighty, El-Shaddai, All-Sufficient. Our God knows how to take our gifts, even if they seem worthless to us, and mold them into beauty. He will replace our fear and trembling with trust and stability. He will wipe away the dirt and insert purity.  He will fill us with strength and fortify us when we are weak. He will take our hurts and pour sweet, soothing love over us. Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord who heals. God will take all we give Him, the areas we hold on to so tightly (you know the ones), if we release these, He will fill us with sweet, overflowing peace. He will give us understanding and wisdom that will push out our faithlessness.

But, best of all, when we give Him our hearts freely, without restraint, He will fill us to overflowing with Joy. A joy that’s only available through Him. How amazing! We give Him a gift that we deem unusable and in return He abundantly blesses us with His love, peace and joy!

Today, I urge you to give Him your heart, your time, your song.  Do you realize how much He loves you?  Do you know how much He desires you?  Don’t pass this up! Sing to Him a new song this Christmas. A song full of giving.  A song laden with desire for Him, Christ your Savior. Sing a love song to your Lord telling Him you are giving HIM a gift this Christmas. Then hand Him your heart every itty, bitty piece of it. Hold nothing back and you will have unspeakable JOY.

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.    Isaiah 12:2-3 (emphasis mine)