There are a few gifts that I cannot wait to GIVE to people tomorrow. I just know that the recipients will LOVE them. I spent a lot of time planning and thinking about them, and giving these gifts is the most exciting thing about Christmas 2011 for me. I am a very impatient person and have been wanting to give these gifts every day since the day I bought them. (Incidentally, that is exactly why I can’t shop too far in advance of Christmas–I can’t handle having the gifts that long. I’m horrible at surprises.)
Do you have any gifts that you are excited to give tomorrow? Do you know that one of your friends or family has been wanting a certain something for months and YOU got it for them? It really is an incredible feeling! Or better yet–you found something that you know they will love, that they didn’t even ask for–so it’s a complete surprise! Ahhh, so great…But again–the waiting is killer. I just want to give it to them right when I buy it, because I know it will bring them joy! BUT Christmas is Christmas, and that is the day that is set to give the gifts.
I was thinking about this idea as I was spending time with the Lord yesterday. Christmas is when we celebrate the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ from God the Father to us. Think with me for a minute.
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4-5
The Greek word for fullness has its origin in a root word meaning “to fill to the top so that nothing shall be wanting, lacking nothing, to complete, perfect.” Think about the most PERFECT gift you are giving this year. The one that’s going to make you a hero. What is it? Is it clothing, an electronic device, a toy, a book, jewelry? Now imagine giving that same gift to the same person fifteen years ago. It wouldn’t make sense, huh? The recipient might be your spouse whom you didn’t even know fifteen years ago–or your child who wasn’t even born yet! Or it might be a home gift for newlyweds who were in high school fifteen years ago. Doesn’t make sense–back then, but it’s perfect now. Your gift didn’t reach its fullness until Christmas Day 2011.
I can only imagine what God experienced as He waited patiently for the “fullness of time” so that He could give His Gift. I mean, I’m waiting a couple of weeks or months–He waited several thousand years! But He knew when timing had reached its perfection. He needed everything to be right, perfect, complete, lacking nothing. I’m so thankful for God’s infinite patience.
As you celebrate Christmas and as you watch someone open up that perfect gift tomorrow, please be reminded of the complete, perfect Gift we have received from the Father through Jesus Christ: “adoption as sons” (Gal 4:5).
Merry Christmas with love.
