What Jesus Wants for Christmas

What would you think of someone who said this?  "For my birthday, I want everyone to celebrate by gaining weight, going in debt, and acquiring lots of stuff."  Weird!  So is Jesus weird or are WE weird for thinking that's how He wants us to celebrate His birth?

I am not going all scrooge here and am definitely not trying to steal any of the seasonal fun of being with friends and family.  BUT, let's not miss out on something deeper.  If we are going to celebrate Jesus' birthday (and I cannot think of a birth more worth celebrating), wouldn't it seem appropriate to ask HIM what gifts He would be pleased to receive from us?  Have you ever received a gift from someone that reflected no knowledge or appreciation for who you are?  Then what can we give to Jesus as we celebrate His birth that reflects our understanding and gratefulness for who He is?

There are many passages in the Bible that tell us what's on Jesus' Christmas list.  Here are a few to get you started:

• Micah 6:8:  Sharing acts of justice and kindness / walking in humility - He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
• Luke 19:10:  Seeking out those who think God doesn't have an interest in them / letting them know Jesus is interested enough to save them - "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
• 1 Tim. 2:3-4:  Giving others the truth they need to embrace their Savior - This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Here's an idea for your family.  Why not read through one of the Gospels at dinner (or whatever time works best for your family) during the month of December.  As you do, have everyone in the family listen for clues about what Jesus wants.  Write your ideas down on a list.  Then as you near December 25, look at what you have compiled.  Identify a specific gift you could give to Jesus, as individuals or as a family. It might be an act of kindness toward someone else, or a change in how your family operates.  Give Jesus something He actually wants!  He's not interested in you gaining weight, going in debt, and acquiring more stuff.

Comments

[Bo]

What wonderful uncomplicated insight!

[Ed]

Your message lives. My grandchildren, ages 13, 11 and 6 have asked their parents to give them one gift of the parents choice this year and whatever else they were going to spend on them for Christmas combined with money saved by the children be used to gift a needy family in their community for Christmas. Their reason for asking this is "they believed this is what Jesus would do and we are celebraing His birthday." They did this last year,also. The love and joy they put into purchasing, wrapping and delivering these gifts is a living example of Jesus love.

[Jim Fleming]

Ed,
How cool is that!

[mjc]

What a precious look at what really matters this time of year. An amazing Savior who gave all He had to save us.

The timing of this post was perfect, as I was just praying about what to buy for family members who do not know the Lord. I was encouraged and inspired to do something different, even if it is not what the expectation might be! Thank you for your wonderful words, that caused me to stop and really consider what Jesus would want for Christmas, as well as what He wants us to give to others.