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The Best Gift Exchange



 

 My ten year old granddaughter, Amy, couldn't contain her excitement yesterday as we drove to the park.  "I'm happy for you to meet my best friend, she said."  I exclaimed:  "Are you kidding me, Amy?  I know how important a best friend is and I just know she is going to love the Christmas present you chose for her!"


We parked the van near the bench where her best friend sat next to her dad waiting patiently for the play date to begin.  There's fun equipment to play on at the park, but Amy's bestie insisted they exchange gifts first.  She couldn't wait to see Amy's reaction to the gift she carefully wrapped for her.  Amy shouted with glee to receive a new sketchbook with watercolor markers.  It was perfect!  Her little friend smiled from ear to ear.  

I'm asking myself if watching the girl's interaction at the park yesterday prompted my emotional response to this morning's devotional.  Instead of reading it, I opted for the audio
narration of Luke, Chapter Two.  I liked how the narrator's voice rose in pitch when she described the shepherds' excitement of finding the promise, a baby in the manger.  They knew the importance of it all.  When they returned to their everyday lives, they were changed forever.  Imagine!

The narrator spoke of something which gripped my heart.  "The Father was pleased (delighted, elated) to offer His children the very best gift--the gift of His one and only son."

Like Amy's bestie, our Father knows His gift is perfect for us, perfect like impeccable, faultless, marvelous.  What could be better than perfect unconditional love, the kind of love that completes us--delivers us--heals our troubled hearts?

All we have to do is receive it!

I get distracted during the holidays.  Will I find just the right gift to wrap and give?  Will it be meaningful and will they love it as much as I love giving it?

These are the times I have to remind myself of the best gift of all.  To think Father God is pleased to send His Son warms my heart!  He's happy to win us back!  My concerns grow dim and I'm back on track.

I like the hymn:  "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace." 

Jesus is the best gift. 

Comments

  1. Mevely317December 25, 2024 at 9:19 AM

    Aw, thanks for sharing Amy's play date, Mary! You made me remember my own 10-year-old delight. In these trying times, yes. The best gift is Jesus.
    Merry Christmas, my friend!

    ReplyDelete
  2. BrendaDecember 26, 2024 at 3:46 AM

    Hi Mary, it is a lovely story regarding Amy's story, and I agree absolutely that Jesus is the best gift all could receive. He is the Only ONE Who came to the Earth Who could give us the gift of ETERNAL LIFE. God bless you for sharing your inspiring post.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Creations By CindyDecember 29, 2024 at 2:34 PM

    What a beautiful read for me this afternoon. Happy New Year dear lady. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  4. Deb J. in UtahJanuary 3, 2025 at 6:37 AM

    Hi Mary. Thanks for visiting my blog! I love this post. It is so uplifting and TRUE. What a wonderful gift of Eternal Life God has given us through Jesus Christ! God bless you and yours in 2025. I hope to visit your blog again soon!

    ReplyDelete

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