Our family likes to use an app to create our own personalized wish list so we can shop for each other. Giving someone what they really want guarantees to bring a smile, right? One year before shopping, I looked down my gift giving list: our parents, the kids, grandparents, and friends. I realized Jesus’ name was not on the list.
HOW DID I MISS JESUS’ NAME ON THE GIFT LIST?
For the past 35 Christmas’s our family has gathered around a decorated birthday cake for Jesus. We sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus. How did I have miss including Jesus’s name on my gift list for so many years? Since Christmas is Jesus’ world-wide birthday party, giving Him a gift should be a no-brainer for me. Since I cannot simply send Jesus an invite to join our family wish-list on the app, I began asking Him what He would like from me for His birthday.
WHAT IS ON CHRIST’S WISH LIST?
I pray, “Lord, what is on your wish-list? What meaningful gift can I possibly give You, the Creator of everything known to man? Oh, yeah, You have been asking me to give You my eating habits, and my daily quiet time with You could use some specific improvements. There is that attitude or habit I have that is not exactly Christ-like. Words that come out of my mouth could use Your touch. I say I trust you, but then I allow myself to worry. And what about my tithing?” There are many things to choose from on His wish list.
Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way (Psalm 139:23-24).
THE BEST GIFT LIST
The wish-list Jesus has for each of us is different. What has He been working to (or wishing to) transform in your life? After giving it some thought and prayer, consider getting out a piece of paper and envelope and writing a letter to Jesus telling him what your gift(s) to Him this year are. Put it under the tree for Him and only Him. This action guarantees to make Him smile. Happy birthday Jesus!
Holy Spirit, guide us each as we look for parts of ourselves we can give (surrender) to You this Christmas. We do not need to be afraid to ask, Your conviction is gentle, full of grace, mercy and love. Transform and purify us You shape us to look more and more like Your Son, Jesus. Amen.
Over the skies of Bethlehem appeared a star while angels sang to lowly shepherds.
Three wise men seeking truth, they traveled from afar, hoping to find the child from heaven.
And falling on their knees they bow before the humble Prince of Peace.We bring an offering of worship to our King. No one on earth deserves the praises that we sing.
Jesus, may you receive the honor that you’re due.
O Lord, I bring an offering to you, the sun cannot compare to the glory of your love.
There is no shadow in your presence, no mortal man would dare to stand before your throne.
Before the Holy One of heaven.
It’s only by Your blood, it’s only through Your mercy Lord, I come I bring an offering of worship to my King, no one on earth deserves the praises that I sing.
Jesus, may you receive the honor that you’re due.