WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR CHRISTMAS?

It's a cold morning in Arkansas.  The front yard has scattered bunches of leaves here and there.  Some mornings I open the front door and just stand there - breathing in the cool air.  It's refreshing.   

We get into a shopping mode best when the weather is cold.  Christmas must have cold weather to be realistic!  At least, for us in Arkansas!  Shopping for others comes easy to some.  It's hard for me.  I overthink it, struggle with: Will they like this?   or   I wonder what they want for Christmas?  I overwork the giving thing ...  I can wonder around a mall for hours and not know what gifts to purchase.  It's much easier if they tell me what they want!!!

I wonder if the Lord feels the same way.  He probably would love it if we would be specific when presenting our wants and needs to Him.  But, then, He already KNOWS WHAT WE NEED.  Always.  No doubt, He would be impressed if WE KNEW WHAT WE NEEDED.   

Our prayers often lack clear direction.  They can be clouded with emotions.  Hurt, anger, inferiority, lack of self-esteem, etc.   God sees past the emotions. He knows the underlying cause of our emotions ...  He sees deep inside our soul ... and He knows just what we need.

While we have a generous heart to give at this season, let's remember the generous heart of our Heavenly Father.  He loves to give gifts.  The greatest Gift to mankind was that of His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ.  That is what makes it a Merry Christmas!

Luke 2:8-11 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.  9) Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them.  They were terrified, 10) But the angel reassured them.  "Don't be afraid!" he said.  "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.  11) The Savior - yes, the Messiah, the Lord - has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 

Have you noticed that:

God loves to give.
God knows how to give.
God knows what to give.
God knows when to give.

The announcement of the birth of a baby might not have been the gift they were expecting that day in Bethlehem.  But God knows the need!  The world needed a Savior.  The greatest gift that Heaven could have EVER given to a fallen world was a Savior!

 A store's Santa gave a little girl a candy cane.  Her mother said, "What do you say, Jeanie?"  Jeanie looks up at Santa and says, "Charge it!"  When God gave His gift, He gave it to us freely.  Paid in Full.   

HIS gift places HIS peace in our hearts while we live on this earth.  And,  HIS gift will provide eternal life in Heaven ... if you will accept it.    

So, I ask you this question.  What do you NEED for Christmas?  There's ONE GIFT that will meet every NEED of your spirit, soul, and body.  That is the greatest package you will ever receive.

HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS !