Ok, I admit it. I like to shop – but it needs to be on sale for me to really bite. DaLee claims it’s my hunting instinct. I can find a clearance rack within 50 yards. If I find something really special, I “buy ahead” for birthdays or even Christmas. The problem comes when I get my treasures home. We pack them away somewhere – “where they’ll be easy to find.” Naturally, when a gift giving occasion comes along, they are nowhere to be found. We search high and low, digging through boxes and closets, and can’t find them anywhere. And yes, once we buy something else and give the gift, we find our whole “store” right where we put it.
In a similar vein, I grew up hearing my Mother say, “Christmas is a time for secrets” whenever I would ask about a mysterious package or errand. Funny thing, I said the same thing to our girls when they were younger and probably will this year as well! We love to hide away those special gifts to maintain the surprise for the recipient.
Aren’t we the same way with our emotional life sometimes? We can hide away hurts and grudges so well that most can’t tell there is anything bothering us. And we like to think we can hide away our sin, especially that little pet sin we keep around for comfort. We think we can hide it away so well that folks don’t know about it, not even God! But we’re only fooling ourselves. Nothing is or can ever be hidden from God. (Luke 8:17) Why would we try? Of all the people who would understand – and forgive!! – God is at the top of the list! He is the greatest listener and “understand-er” and after all, He is the Great Healer! He is also the greatest gift giver ever. He gave His Son Jesus, wrapped in swaddling clothes, to a dying world!
Don’t forget to set aside December 20 for our presentation of “The Big Christmas Broadcast of 1943” and our annual church wide Christmas dinner. You won’t want to miss this!
love ya, Bret.
