What Do You Want For Christmas?

If I could have one gift for Christmas…

What do you want for Christmas?

That question will be asked millions and millions of times all over the world over the next few weeks. The answer varies a million times. A video game, a big check, a trip to the Caribbean, my family all home for the holidays, or a magic Christmas dinner.

But what if you could have only one gift, and it could be anything you could imagine? At first thought some people would think of themselves: a great job, a new house, my health, or someone to love. Then often we start to think of others: success for my children, happiness for my parents, or blessings for my friends. At some point, we start to think real big: to end hunger and poverty in the world, peace on earth, a world without environmental concerns, or long life for everyone. If you could have one gift for Christmas, what would it be?

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.  For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. -Ephesians 2

Ok, I’m a pastor, you kind of expected that, didn’t you? But honestly, all of the things we could ask for are wrapped up in that one answer. Blessings now and for eternity. Peace in our heart and a redirection of our priorities that gives us contentment in this life whatever is happening.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength. -Philippians 4

Christmas, or more clearly stated, “the worship of Christ,” is the greatest gift. But like so many things we find in our lives, we neglect the greatest gift for less important things.

I pray this Holy-day season will bring you great blessings. That you will find the things you need in life and that you will experience love and hope in your lives and the lives of those you love. I hope it is a season of joy and celebration with cookies and parties and even some eggnog. But most of all, I wish you the Christ we worship. The greatest gift of all. Without this gift we really have nothing, and with it, all the dreams of God he has for you are fulfilled. You are God’s handiwork, a creation of God to do good things.

Merry Christmas,
Pastor Tom