I can remember as a child, being so excited Christmas was coming, thinking of all the presents Santa was bringing. Back then, I wasn't focused on the true "reason for the season", it was all about the gifts. I vividly remember several Christmas mornings where, after tearing open present after present, having that empty feeling.. realizing that there were no more presents to open. It wasn't that I didn't receive enough gifts, as a matter of fact, I usually got way too many. It was simply a longing a had to have all my hopes and dreams fulfilled. There was a emptiness inside my heart that I didn't understand, call it a longing to be satisfied. But every year I had the same result. I would come to the end of the presents and then that sadness would take hold..
Thinking back on that, I'm so glad that's not the case today. I know exactly what Christmas is all about.. It's precisely what the angels said it was "Behold!! I bring you good news of GREAT JOY! Today in the City of David is born to you a Savior, Christ the Lord". I've finally found that satisfaction I always wanted, the best gift ever. All my desires have been realized through Christ! Now this is my heart-felt Christmas prayer..
Whom have I in heaven but Thee? Besides Thee, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For, behold, those who are far from Thee will perish; Thou hast destroyed all those who are unfaithful to Thee. But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, That I may tell of all Thy works.
(Psalm 73:25-28)
Now there's only one thing I want- being close to the Christ of Christmas!
