WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS?

Part of a Series: Preparing the Way

by Steve Dunn

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” – Revelation 22:17

My wife and I finished our Christmas shopping yesterday.  Actually except for a couple of items, we have been finished for several days.  We didn't really ask our grandchildren or children what they wanted for Christmas.  In the case of the former, their requests could have easily bankrupted us considering the hype of peers and television putting ideas and desires into their heads.

Instead we went shopping both in store and on-line with an eye of what we thought they would really appreciate, enjoy or get some longer term benefit from.  We found ourselves getting pretty creative and selected gifts that were more personal.  In fact, we're hoping some of these gifts draw the best out of our loved ones--which would be a gift to us, as well.

Blaise Pascal wrote, "There is a god-shaped in us that only God can fill." (Billy Graham borrowed this from the 19th century philosopher-mathematician.)  Because of this God knows what we need and has designed us to desire it as well.  It's life.  Not just living, but abundant life.  Jesus even declared his intentions for coming into the world.  "I have come that you might have life and have it to the full." (John 10:10)

John declares here that God invites us to unwrap this present from his heart.  But there's more.  It is "life without price."  This means that it is of incomparable worth.  But it also means it is truly a gift, You cannot purchase it.  Jesus already has.  He comes into the world to give his life on the Cross so that we might possess this gift of life at his expense.

Deep down, isn't that something that you desire more deeply than an electronic gadget that will break or become outdated, than clothes and music that will become outdated, crazy stuff that will go in the closet once the novelty wears off.

The present is yours.  Claim it and unwrap it.

© 2018  by Stephen L. Dunn.  You have permission to reprint this provided it is unchanged, proper authorship is cited, it is in a publication not for sale, and a link is provided to this site or to www.drstevedunn.com. For all other uses, contact Steve at sdunnpastor@gmail.com 

CLASSIC CARS

Reading: Jude 3

"Earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered unto the saints." - Jude 3

I love classic cars.  There is something fascinating about these road warriors.  There was a time they owned the road--providing transportation to grandmas, gangsters, doctors making house calls, families taking a Sunday drive, salesmen trying to ply their wares.  They have a uniqueness and an elegance that stands out in the box-like family vehicles, the monster trucks and sporty SUVs, and the lookalike family cars occupying the road today.  Some of them were short-lived in popularity.  They bore names that today have little meaning - but they are really neat.

Unfortunately today, you have to be very careful with these cars.  Their "age" and uniqueness put them at great risk on the high-speed highways of today. You even have to ration the amount of road miles because their parts are no longer being produced.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is very ancient.  It has a beauty in its original form that makes it even more precious today with the trendy and sometimes indistinguishable religious imitators.

Fortunately, the gospel wears well on today's highways in today's world. It is not fragile, needing protection.  It is robust, needing faithfulness.  The gospel is not intended to be kept in a warehouse as a remnant of other times.  It is intended to engage the world where the rubber meets the road.

A classic car may have been built well, but only a few people have the means and opportunity to drive it.  The gospel today is for everyone--it is durable for eternity.

(C) 2009 by Stephen L Dunn, reprinted 2010