Better than Christmas

Christmas is a wonderful time. It’s a time of surprises and laughter and gifts from afar. It’s a time of Jesus’ birth. It’s a time of celebration.

We gather together and open gifts, never quite sure what we’ll find on the other side of the paper, but whatever it is, the giver gave it with love. We love gifts because we love the giver, at least that’s why I love them. But those are not the best gifts. The greatest gift is the one I already own.

My bike arrived a few days ago. My mom sent it with love from 1,250 miles away, and it arrived undamaged at my doorstep. Now, I already knew what the gift was. In essence, I sent it to myself. I wrapped it carefully on my parents’ front porch and placed it in the box with care. I called the shipping agencies and asked how much it would cost to mail. I sent my mom to the post office. But still, I was more excited to see that box sitting in the hotel lobby than I’ve ever been for Christmas presents.

I knew what was in the box. I knew every dent and scratch on the frame. I knew the way the chain would jump between those two gears. I knew the inconsistencies in the cable running from the cateye computer to the front wheel. But that didn’t quell my excitement. In fact, knowing what was coming made it so much better. I knew the thing that was coming for me, and I knew how much I would love it when it arrived. I knew what I hoped for. I knew every perfection, and I knew every flaw. I knew what it would take to make it up a hill, and how fast I could ride down.

It’s the same as a Christian. The greatest gift is the one we already own. We are already heirs to the Kingdom of Heaven. We already own heaven and earth. We already have all authority, but one day we will come into our own. The clouds will break open and the King on a snowy horse with a tattoo on his thigh will call us to himself. It will be the greatest gift, and we already own it.

Things to pray for:

I had the opportunity to share the gospel with one of my coworkers this week. Please pray for him. He’s looked into a lot of religions, so pray he would know Jesus is the answer he’s looking for.

I’ve been really annoyed about everything this week. I was annoyed about sharing my space with seven other people, eating food I didn’t make for myself, Resonate’s trademark lack of communication and organization, and many other small things. But I realized none of these things are actually what’s bothering me. I told all this to a friend from another room on Sunday, and realized I’m actually weighed down by more serious issues. Please pray I would be able to deal with and process through what is actually wrong so the little things won’t bother me.

Post Script

My bike was stolen last night. Praise God the gift he is giving me will never be destroyed and no thief can break in to steal it.