The wrapped Christmas present brings so much enthusiasm. Each year, as they're placed beneath the tree, they evoke so much anticipation and excitement. Even at my age, when I see them, I cannot help but wonder what is inside!

I stop short of actually wanting to know until the time is right. I have friends who go to great lengths to find out in advance what is in each box. They cannot handle not knowing. I guess we each respond differently to presents.

Beej was a major snoop. He counted gifts, searched for gift tags, shook boxes, and got this impish crooked grin on his face, with clasped hands drawn up under his chin when confronted about it. It was all part of the season to him.

We decided early to make it difficult for him. Some years we put no names on...but then we would forget whose was whose. Other years we used initials written into the pattern of the wrap, so it was near undetectable. Still others, we would write one name on it, knowing that that name meant another name...yes we had to write down our code somewhere...which we would usually misplace.

It was not easy to fool him. By the time we were ready to open presents, he usually had it figured out. However, it only added to the anticipation of the inevitable. In later years, his giving became much more important to him. He even folded into the same posture as one of his gifts was opened. Such anticipation. Such joy. The payoff for him became about the expression of joy on the others face at the newly discovered treasure.

"I guess we each respond differently to the Presence." I know this year, he will celebrate without hesitation. Anticipation gone, but uniquely replaced by a joy and awe that we cannot fathom. A knowledge we hunger for, a view that quickens our pulse.
A Savior born so long ago in humble beginnings. A few chosen ones gathered at the compelling of the angels. Heralded into infamy by a perfect life, and equally humble death. Ours for eternity, the perfect, unblemished gift, unwrapped at the resurrection.

How will we respond? Is He YOUR Savior? Is He the reason YOU celebrate? Or is He just another story, which allows you to get gifts, and makes you feel good for a day or two.

"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders. And he shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Make Him yours today. Ask Him to come into your heart, and be Lord of your life.


Have a blessed season in Jesus,

dad


To the anonymous blogger who asked about "getting past anger", please e-mail me at bahiggins1259@msn.com