Through the Holiday Hubbub

The doorbell resonated through the holiday hubbub at 805 east 8^th avenue, one cool, crisp Christmas eve. Parents’ urged their children, “Answer it! Answer it!” Ronnie and Mary dropped everything and darted to the door. They flung it open. And what to their wondering eyes should appear? Actually, nothing, at first. Then, looking down, they saw a life-sized doll and a huge Texaco truck.

They stared with amazement at each present wrapped in ribbon. The two darted outside and scanned the front lawn and the night sky. Mary thought she heard bells jingling. Ronnie believed he heard something too. But the gift giver was nowhere to be found!

Ronnie and I still discuss the joy of that evening. Who delivered the gifts? How did they get there? Though we have our hunches, neither really knows for sure. 

As a small child, I must admit, I loved getting more than giving. As years passed though, I grew to appreciate the gift of giving. I waited and watched. Would they like the present I prepared or purchased with them in mind? Would they notice the effort spent on wrapping the present just right? Positive responses enhance my excitement of giving—both then and now.

God stood on the doorstep of humanity long ago. He rang the bell and left His Gift. The Package wasn’t decorated with ribbons or fancy paper. Nor did a mysterious donor deliver the Gift. This Present, dressed in swaddling clothes, lay in a manger: Baby Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary, God’s gift to each of us.

Ronnie and I received the gifts gladly that year. Our parents didn’t force them upon us. We naturally brought them into the house and began to play. I doubt we paid much attention to the wrappings. 

The doorbell continues to ring this Christmas. God sent His Son. He sent the Perfect Gift with us in mind. He desires our positive response but will not force us to receive His Present or His Presence. Rather, He waits and watches for our reaction. He wonders. Will we unwrap His Presence?

Through all of the hubbub, I pray we will hear the bell, open the door, and invite Him into our homes and our lives this Christmas.

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11 Niv). 

A Most Valued Gift

Through a series of events, I found myself alone one Christmas morning. Though I say alone, self- pity and I were getting pretty cozy. By mid-morning, I began to tire of her company. Her vicious cycle of lies left me less than merry.