Only one hundred, forty-seven shopping days till Christmas! Yes, I am one of those obsessed early birds, busy planning the next year’s festivities as soon as the dust settles on Christmas morning. With unbridled glee the planning begins, what present would best suit each grandchild, each treasured family member, each intimate friend? What color wrapping paper should we use this year? And I need to get those matching gift tags made, too. Generally by July, I am immersed in the challenges of seeking sales, ordering online, organizing lists, and creating gift baskets. Pure joy and excitement fill my heart as I plan and prepare gifts for those I hold so dear in my heart. Such fun and fulfillment!
Being a blessing to those who hold a special spot in our lives is a joyous experience, effortless, simply an outflowing of our love for them. But let’s consider making some additions to our Christmas list this year. How about that coworker who rubs us the wrong way, or that one who has deeply offended us through gossip or malice? Do we include that neighbor with a questionable lifestyle, the rude shopper at the grocery store, or maybe a former friend who carries a grudge against us? Now that’s a bit more challenging, isn’t it? But that is exactly what Christ did for us.
When we were alienated from a holy God, “while we were yet sinners,” He offered the greatest gift to us, salvation full and free. While we were enemies, He extended His hand in grace, as we were drowning in iniquity, He provided the safety net of the cross, and although we were completely unlovable, He loved deeply and “…gave his only begotten Son.” As we sat alone in our prison of iniquity, deeply mired in sin, He offered His rescue plan of unlimited forgiveness. So what can we offer to those who are the least loveable, yet most desperate, in our own sphere of influence; how can we expand our gift list to include them? With God’s unfathomable love as a model, perhaps we could considering sharing the marvelous message of God’s saving grace. Fulfilling His command to spread the gospel story to a lost and dying world is the greatest gift we can give, a gift that would last for eternity.
Will God strategically place someone in your path today who is in urgent need of a Savior? Is there someone in your orbit of influence who stands at the precipice of eternity without the lifeline of salvation? Help us to see those around us through the eyes of Christ, share His love, and gently lead them on their journey of faith. The gift has already been purchased and paid for in full, let’s share it!
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Lord, it isn’t always easy to share Your gift. I become timid, frightened, apathetic, and hesitant. Help me to see others through Your eyes, realizing that they are in desperate need of Your love and forgiveness.