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.