by Joanne Wiklund
Already there. Look for it. Jesus said, “My peace I leave with you.” I always say if He left it with me, what did I do with it?” I know you’ve probably read that from me before. I am reminded again this Christmas the giving of gifts leads us back to Him. But we have to be willing to receive what He has for us. The reaction we need to take is not just submit, but surrender.
Did you ever try to give a gift to someone you care deeply for and have them try to refuse it? No, no, no, you didn’t need to do that. Oh, I can’t take that! What have you done? Spent all that money on me. Oh, dear! Our mother took a great deal of time teaching us that giving is better than receiving. But she insisted you must also learn to receive graciously, simply with a heartfelt Thank You. That allows the giver to relax and enjoy the moment. Even if in your heart you are surprised and trying to find the right words.
The right words are just that: Thank You. Think about the gift we could get when Jesus tries to convince us to follow Him. He lets us know in so many ways He loves us. But we don’t say, My Lord, I repent. I’m sorry. Please come into my heart right now. Instead we say, “No, not right now. I’ll check in later when I’ve done all I have planned to do. Can’t follow you right now. Catch me later. Later may never come. In the quiet of a Christmas Eve, let Jesus come into your heart when you hear Him knocking on your heart’s door. May you receive Him well. Merry Christmas.
Luke 2:13-14 “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth Peace, good will toward men.”
Luke 2:19 “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.”