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GLORY, PEACE, AND GOOD WILL
Who isn't thinking about Christmas presents this time of year? For most of us we are spending a lot of money on a lot of things which require a lot of wrapping paper which takes a lot of time. In a matter of minutes after these gifts are given the house is a mess, the wrapping paper is bagged up and who even knows what anyone got?
This is what has happened to the average family Christmas traditions. Quite frankly, it can leave us exhausted, extended, and exasperated. We wonder why this "celebration" brings on the highest degree of mental depression than any other time of the year?
It is safe to say that this is not what God intended that first night of our dear Savior's birth. Should we blame the wise magi who brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh to give to the Christ-child? This is not where Christmas giving actually originates. The first gifts of Christmas came from God the Father as He poured out His glory in heaven, His peace on earth, and His good will on men. What beautiful gifts given so thoughtfully by so gracious a God! Let's behold them in awe.
As one herald angel announced the birth of the Savior to a handful of shepherds on the plains of Bethlehem an army host of innumerable angels joined in to proclaim: "Glory in the highest places to God!" These humbled shepherds witnessed an expression of heavenly praise which even the vastness of heaven could not contain. It spilled over onto the earth just as the God of heaven chose to take on flesh and live among us as "Immanuel." What a gift this world was given! The One who would redeem this world came to do what no one else could possibly do. Let heaven and earth receive her King.
Heaven overflowing onto the earth brought the specific gift of "peace" to earth. How ironic that this was announced by an army of mighty angels - the same ones who expel Satan and his evil brood out of heaven. They announce the peace which proclaims that the war between God and man is over. God and sinners are reconciled by the blood of this child which would be shed in a matter of three short decades. Truly He would fulfill the role of the "Prince of Peace." What a lasting gift given by the heavenly Father, even though the very mankind Jesus would save killed the "wrapping" of His body on the bloody cross and tossed it away in a borrowed tomb.
Apparently most of the people of our world today do not recognize the value of God's gifts. God nonetheless offers the on-going gift of His "good will" to men. Jesus did not come to save a select few. He paid the price for all people to be saved. God's good will is freely offered to one and to all. What a generous gift! Like any gift given, however, it must be received and cherished by trusting in the Giver.
Many people will miss the real point of Christmas gifts this year. We will all get caught up in the swirl of activities which surround us. In the midst of it all we can slow down, stand still and appreciate the wonders of the divine intentions of our great God.
As part of your Christmas season preparations take the time to purposely plan for getting back to the basics with those you love the most. It could mean the difference between exhaustion or exhilaration. God's peace to you.
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