THE GREATEST GIFT

As a young boy of eight years of age, I believed there could be no greater Christmas gift than a GI Joe, complete with all his army gear. You can imagine how excited I was when I opened my new GI Joe on Christmas morning! Needless to say, it was a gift that kept me happily occupied in our back yard under the trailer house for hours on end, as my buddies and I played “war” with our toy soldiers.

All these years later, I look back in amusement at my childish ways, and realize just how little I knew then about what really constitutes a great gift. Now that I am all grown up, I am able to better understand the true meaning of Christmas now that I know what – or rather, Who – is The Greatest Gift.

The birth of Jesus Christ has been echoed for centuries now as the greatest gift to mankind; yet sadly, many will go through this Christmas season, barely aware of this special gift that has been given to them. Though this greatest of gifts is for everyone, many do not understand the precious nature of this gift, and therefore toss it aside.

There are many, who because they are blinded by their ambitions, their quest for power, or their greed will not receive this gift. Those who are so wrapped up in their jobs and their worldly toys are not going to receive this gift either; nor will people receive this gift, who are locked in their paradigms of false religion. It is only the people who have an open mind and open heart and recognize their need, that will be able to receive the greatest gift.

I urge you to take time during this holiday season, with all its pretty lights, joyous music, sweets and presents under the tree, to open your heart to receive The Greatest Gift of All. Invite Him to come into your life to change you. Receive Him and prepare for the joy ride of your life!