John 12:9 "The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world."

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!!! I don’t know about you, but I LOVE Christmas time. I love the lights, the movies, the music, the cozy sweaters, the cookies, the time with family, and no school! My list used to get longer every year, but nowadays it has gotten smaller and smaller. I told my parents this year that I didn’t want anything for Christmas because I simply don’t need anything. I thank God for that. My mom was not very happy with me to say the least because she loves getting us gifts!

Because He gave and continues to give to us, we are called to do the same. In Deuteronomy 16:17, it says,"Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you." It is in our hearts to give to the ones we love.

Imagine that feeling you get when you see the face of a loved one light up as you give them a gift that they were hoping for. Maybe it is the face of a child, a parent, a sibling, a grandparent, a spouse, a friend. Whomever it may be, you know that warm feeling you get inside. It brings you so much joy to see them so happy. In giving, we receive.

Sometimes between all of the giving, the receiving, the decorating, the baking, the cooking, the eating and whatever else we may do, we can lose sight of the one thing that matters the most. These things can distract us from accepting the greatest, most perfect gift that we receive of them all. The gift that we don’t have to write down on a silly list and hope to see under the tree. The gift that we don’t have to give to others to receive. The gift of our Lord and Savior. Isn’t that the reason we celebrate?

We celebrate the birth of our Lord and our Savior, Jesus Christ. The ultimate gift from God. One that we cannot put into words because He is indescribable.

So during this Christmas season, I encourage you to keep your eyes locked on Him, the most perfect gift, through every moment. I encourage you to seek God in every moment and receive Him.

The Bible tells us, "12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12-13

He is worth receiving. He is worth this huge, joy-filled celebration and more. not just during this season, but every day of our lives.

"Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!" 2 Corinthians 9:15