I found myself reflecting this week on Christmas scenes long gone. One Christmas morning as I excitedly unwrapped a present I discovered a treasure. I received a cream, real leather wallet. I could tell the high quality just from the way it felt on my teenage fingers. I didn’t want to tarnish it with use, so guess what?
I never used the gift.
I missed out on the whole purpose of the gift! Instead, I let it remain untouched. Unused. I put it away in a drawer for safekeeping and figured out another way to carry my money.
There’s some symbolism in this story. The whole reason for Christmas points us to the life of Jesus Christ, that He was born; lived, and died and was a gift to this world. His offering in the Garden of Gethsemane and death on Calvary was personal; meaningful, and the means by which He accomplished His great atoning sacrifice. That gift is not something to be stored away or placed out of sight, and unused but meant to help us with our everyday burdens of life so we don’t have to carry them alone.
My Christmas wish this year is for you to understand, the accessibility of the Savior more than you already do. As we partner with Christ to accomplish our highest and best outcomes, our lives are changed for good. This past weekend I had the amazing opportunity to sing with Millennial Choirs and Orchestras in Arizona. What a thrill it was to sing with over a thousand voices and an orchestra to share the reality of Christ’s birth along with the understanding that He will indeed return again one day. The song “Joy to the World” was on the program and the following line struck me with great force: “…let earth receive her King!” That is profound. What an invitation. May Christmas 2021 be one never to be forgotten, because you purposefully remember and receive Him each day in December and beyond. You might be asking, “But how?” How is it possible to connect with Him more?
As I’ve inquired in prayer this past week (with a sincere heart and real intent, believing I will get an answer) I have been well taught. I’ve simply prayed, “Help me to Receive the Savior today.” Then I watch what happens throughout the day. My heart and eyes have been open to see and comprehend the Savior in ways unexpected. I can feel when someone else is acting on His behalf providing acts of service or sharing kindness. Let me give you a little example. Before and in between the four concerts this weekend we were in a holding room in a nearby church. As I looked around I noticed tablecloths that were placed so we could be comfortable. I could feel the intent of the people who placed them along with the simple Christmas decorations around the room and I literally had tears come to my eyes. What? It was just a table cloth! It was just Christmas greenery! Why did that make me cry?!
Normally I would have not even noticed these everyday tokens of modern life… but because I’m asking to receive the Savior, I am being shown where love is. I was able to receive that gesture in gratitude and express thanks to the pastor and his wife after the concerts. It was choice to have that interaction with them and recognize the preparations for their upcoming guests. My friends that is just one of many examples of how my prayer has been answered. It brings to mind the scripture, “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren ye have done it unto me.” (Matt 25:40)
A simple prayer said out loud, “Dear God, help me receive the Savior today. Help me receive my King,” can change everything. It creates space to feel more of His love, light, and Messianic Message. That is a gift I would like to receive in my heart each day.
A gift I want to always use.
How about you?