One More Gift

The ornaments still hang on the tree, the star still blinks on top and the lights still twinkle. The decorations still cover the house and the food is in the refrigerator just waiting on the next hungry soul.

But some things are different, festively wrapped presents of all shapes and sizes no longer crowd under the tree and the stockings are missing from their spot on the mantle.

The one thing that strikes me the most is the lack of excitement in the air. The energy is gone. Christmas is over.

The weeks leading up to Christmas day seem to be never ending. Either you’re working too hard and have too much to get done or you’re waiting until Santa shows up with the latest, greatest hot new toy. Either way, Christmas is a long time coming.

It seems like Christmas morning takes forever to arrive and then it’s gone before you can blink – just that fast. One moment you’re giddy with excitement and then it’s gone and you’re in a heap of wrapping paper, bows, and empty boxes.

Each December 25th we celebrate the birth of Christ’s birth.. One day out of the 365 days we have each year. We set aside this one day to focus on His amazing birth and what that birth meant to all. What are doing with the other 364 days each year? Christ’s birth was just the beginning for us and all mankind.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

He came to earth for us. He was and is full of grace and truth – that bears repeating, Grace and truth. Today He is grace and truth. Today and forevermore. The excitement of His life, death and resurrection continues.

And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. John 1:16

Grace upon grace – mounds of grace, like pretty wrapped presents under a Christmas tree. Grace is a gift, but so unlike those that sit under my Christmas tree every year.

Grace is God’s unmerited favor. I don’t deserve it and I can’t earn it. Ephesians 2:8 & 9 says ”For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Scripture spells this one out – “it’s not your own doing” and “not a result of works.” Grace is the “gift of God.” An amazing gift that is poured out on us through faith. God knows His children -- we want to work for this so we can be the 'best' or the 'first' or the 'something.' But the Lord says this is His gift to us.

Now that’s excitement that doesn’t end on December 26th.

This gift from God, this gift of saving grace through faith in Christ Jesus – this grace upon grace. In this grace we are blessed by God as he pours out the grace on us. As you clean up the wrapping paper and pack away the ornaments, consider just one more gift– the gift of His grace.

Do you believe in His grace?
Has this grace saved you, transformed you and filled you with His joy and peace?
Are you walking by His grace?

Today begin to enjoy this gift of God.

Read John 1: 1-18 and consider this gift from God.

Soak in the words as you read of the Christ and of John the Baptist, who called Jesus the One. He is the ONE! The One who came to save us! He is the One who triumphed over the grave!

He is Emmanuel -- God with us.

Thank God for this gift of grace and live in this grace – every day.

For it’s in this grace that you will find the joy, peace and hope that only comes from a life in Christ.God’s grace is amazing.

Keep the excitement alive all 365 days in this coming year.


In Him,