What did you get for Christmas?

1John 4: 9-12
" This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."

Each year when all the gifts have been opened, a meal shared and wrapping discarded, you hear the question asked, “what did you get for Christmas?”. During a recent mission trip, one of the getting to know you questions was what was one of your favorite or best Christmas gift. There were lots of fun stories shared like why Mr. Perrier Head was someone’s best and worst gift ever and a story of a long desired new puppy, a new sewing machine, Josie and the Pussy Cat's doll (dating ourselves) and for me it was a pair of fishnet stockings which, I have to admit, were ruined by sundown.

It was wonderful to hear the excitement and joy people experienced receiving that one treasured and hoped for item, but it also has made me wonder. Why when we are asked what did you get for Christmas, we never answer Jesus? Is it because it is implied? Is it because we didn’t? For many people, Jesus isn’t even part of the Christmas equation. For others, answering Jesus would be uncomfortable. It seems odd that we spend an entire month preparing for the birth of our savior and then as soon as the day arrives we forget to mention it.

Jesus is the way that God has shown his love for us! He loves us so much, not because we loved him, but because we are his and he loves us no matter what. He doesn’t even expect a gift in return. So how do we thank him? All he asks is that we love one another. Sounds easy, but as most of us know, it can be very difficult to love some people. Loving one another means more than just getting them a Christmas gift, it means making time for the lost and lonely even when you don't really have any. This year as you prepare for Christmas, remember that gifts don't just come in fancy wrapping and appear under the tree, they come in a smile given, a hand held, cookies delivered and a prayer offered. When we give in love – God’s love is made complete.

So go ahead, be joyful about your fishnet stockings or that special hoped for gift because someone gave it out of love. But let’s not forget to appreciate the best Christmas gift ever – Jesus. This year when asked, “what did you get for Christmas?”, I am going to answer JESUS! I hope you do too.

Heavenly Father, help me to remember this Christmas that the gift of your son was given in love unto me. Help me be bold to remember to go and tell others about your amazing love. Amen