“The Perfect Gift”
Good evening everyone. I am sorry about the tardiness of this devotional. I was at a family gathering to celebrate Christmas with all our family that lives out of town. It was a wonderful time, getting to see everyone and catch up with each other. We focused on each other and the love that we share between us.
Seeing how the Christmas season is upon us, I thought I would take just a few moments of your time and share a little of my heart with you.
We as a culture, society, whatever you want to call us have truly taken away from the true meaning of Christmas. We have over commercialized it, from the million hallmark movies to the billions of dollars that will be spent in purchasing Christmas gifts. Now, before you tune me out or scroll down to the next Facebook post, please give me an opportunity to explain.
I am not saying that there is anything wrong with the Christmas traditions that we take part in. I believe our biggest problem comes from a focal standpoint. Many of us become consumed with making everything perfect....
-perfect tree
-perfect decorations
-perfect dinner
-perfect outfits
-perfect gifts
We struggle and often times put ourselves in debt trying to obtain that perfection.
This was not God's intent for us when He sent His only Son to that manger in Bethlehem.
It was not His intent when He chose Mary to deliver the Savior of the world.
It was not His intent when He gifted us with the only way to salvation.
The prophet Isaiah gives us the reason for the birth of Christ and the reason for our celebration of this most wonderful time of year.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
God sent us His only son as a gift, a gift of salvation, a gift of peace, a gift of comfort, a gift of freedom, a gift of grace, a gift of mercy, a gift of love.
Let us not get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season and fail to remember and fail to acknowledge the true meaning of Christmas. Let us take a moment to thank God for His unspeakable gift.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Pastor Shane Johnson
Pathway Fellowship Church
770 Hwy. 17 Business
Surfside Beach, SC
