A Plain Brown Wrapper

Author : Vivian Gordon
I imagine that God feels great pain and disappointment in
those of us who feel disappointed in His gift when we don't
welcome it with enthusiasm. God's gift comes in quietly and
humbly without all the bright shiney ribbons and bows. He
doesn't announce it with a great fanfare. No, His gift started
out in an unassuming manger and was wrapped up in
swaddling clothes. The little Lord Jesus didn't have the best,
but He was given to us by God Himself, to give us His best.
God's greatest gift was presented in a plain brown wrapper
and anyone who chooses to unwrap it with sheer
thankfulness will receive the best and most wonderful gift
ever given. But, there are those who simply refuse to even
look at it and then there are some who might try it and then
will return it. It's important to remember that it is a gift, God
doesn't force it on anyone.I know from my "past" life, while still in the material world,
there were times that I would receive a gift that made me
feel there was no thought behind it. I felt I deserved more
consideration and instead of being happy, it made me
rather sad to think that no one really knew me. I feel many of
us still think this way unless we know Christ. We have
turned this special time of year into a holiday of greed, self
will, and self righteousness. It's all about us and not the
One.And then many times we have heard people say, "It's the
thought that counts." If that's true, then why do we refuse the
gift that God so thoughtfully gave all of us to enjoy? There
was never and will ever again be a gift so carefully thought
out and so timely delivered than the free gift of God's grace
and salvation through His blessed miracle named Jesus.Shouldn't the Christmas season at least have the word
CHRIST in it? We are living in a time where we see CHRIST
being removed and replaced to a more political correct
version of "Happy Holidays". This makes me wonder,
without Christ, what holiday are we celebrating? We need to
get our priorities back on track and stop allowing Satan to
overshadow the cradle which led to the cross, with his lies
of deceitful manipulations. Christmas doesn't reflect around
Santa Claus and the giving of gifts to good little boys and
girls.Again, what message are we sending our children when we
tell them that Santa will not bring them anything if they are
bad? First of all the Bible says that no one on his own is
good anyway. Our good works, and behavior just don't cut it
with God and yet, we tell our children that this is all they
need. They are rewarded for their good behavior, but in
reality God will not reward no man for good works unless he
has faith along with it. We are sending crossed signals to
our young children and even to others who don't yet realize
that it's not about them or what they do, unless Christ is the
focal point in their lives."For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
Rom. 3:23 (KJV)"God so loved the world that He gave us His only begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but
have everlasting life." Jn. 3:16 (KJV)The carefully thought out gift of Jesus for our salvation was
thought about even before the creation of the world. Jesus
was the main reason for man's existence even before time
began. Talk about alot of thought behind a gift!"Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet
Jeremiah." Mt. 2:17 (Amplified)The book of Matthew confirms that Christ's coming was
foretold hundreds of years before by Jeremiah. It was not an
accident that Jesus came when He did, it was His
"appointed time".So this year as you are considering what "perfect" gift to give
those you love, ask this question, "Who do I love and know
enough to give 'The Gift' that keeps on giving?"And as you present this gift that comes in a plain brown
wrapper, remember this; one size fits all, it will never go out
of style, and the more it is used, the better it will become.
God meant that no one ever refuse it or return it.Won't you honor the Lord by giving someone this special gift
this year? After all, didn't you receive it? God means for all of
us to share it with the world and if you start with a loved one
who doesn't yet know this 'Gift', then begin here. This gift can
be contagious and will spred quickly when given. It's not
meant to be kept a secret. It's for young and old, rich and
poor alike. Anyone can give it and anyone can receive it!God also tells us that we are responsible for sharing this
gift with those who need it. For without it, their salvation and
redemption lay in the balance of eternal damnation and their
blood will be on our hands. Think about that the next time
you decide not to pass this special gift along. What better
time than now?Christlikeness never goes out of style.Vivian Gordon is anxious to pass this special gift along to as
many that will recieve it. God has blessed her with a
teaching and writing ministry to spred the Gospel along in a
way that others may understand how much God loves them.
She wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a blessed
New Year.
Keyword : Gift, Christ, Christmas, Present, Give, Keep, Sharing, Good News, Jesus, Spiritual, Inspirational