Christmas is just around the corner. I bet you already have your decorations in place, gifts under the tree, and a schedule jam-packed with all the things you will do to celebrate.
I’m the youngest of four in my family and presents were a BIG deal growing up. We were always thankful for our normal gifts but one of us would get a really BIG gift. Usually my Dad was in charge of wrapping it (which meant it was in a garbage bag) and hiding it (which meant it was probably in the hall closet). But the funny part was we all played dumb every year and my Dad would say to the person who was getting it, “I left a camera lens in the closet, can you grab it for me?”
I remember all of those special gifts I received growing up and they were favorites for years. It was always a little bittersweet when it wasn’t your year but you knew it was coming.
The great thing about the gift of hope is that it is fueled by God sending His Son to make a way for us to be in relationship with Him forever. And even though we can’t see it and we don’t always feel it—He’s always there. And more than that, it’s for everyone. There’s never a year or a time that it’s not for you. It’s always for you. It’s always for everyone.
So hopefully you’re making room in your schedule and traditions for people who are close to you but far from God to experience the gift of eternity that has already been secured for them. I’m praying for invitations, conversations, and declarations of what God has done for you and the stories of what He’ll do through you.
Grace and peace to your family this season.