Our family likes to use an app to create our own personalized wish list so we can shop for each other. Giving someone what they really want guarantees to bring a smile, right? One year while shopping, I looked down at my gift giving list: our parents, the kids, grandparents, and friends. I realized Jesus’ name was not on the list. It’s His birthday, but where was His name?
NOT ON THE LIST
For the past 35 Christmases our family has gathered around a decorated birthday cake for Jesus. We sing “Happy Birthday” to Him. How did I have miss including Jesus’s name on my gift list for so many years? Since Christmas is Jesus’ world-wide birthday party, giving Him a gift should be a no-brainer for me. I cannot simply send Jesus an invite to join our family wish-list on the app, I began asking Him what He would like from me for His birthday.
WHAT IS ON HIS LIST?
I prayed, “Lord, what is on your wish-list? What meaningful gift can I possibly give You, the Creator of everything known to man? Oh, yeah, You have asked me to give You my eating habits. My daily quiet time with You could use some specific improvements. There is that attitude or habit I have that is not exactly Christ-like. Words that come out of my mouth could use Your touch. I say I trust you, but then I allow myself to worry. And what about my tithing?”
There are many things to choose from on His wish list.
Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way (Psalm 139:23-24).
ASK HIM FOR HIS LIST
The wish-list Jesus has for each of us is different. What is He working on (or wishes to) transform in your life? After giving it some thought and prayer, consider getting out a piece of paper and envelope and writing a letter to Jesus. Tell Him what your gift(s) to Him this year. Put it under the tree for Him and only Him. This action guarantees to make Him smile. Happy birthday Jesus!
Holy Spirit, guide us each as we look for parts of ourselves, we can give (surrender) to You this Christmas. We do not need to be afraid to ask. Your conviction is gentle, full of grace, mercy and love. Transform and purify us You shape us to look more and more like Your Son, Jesus. Amen.