What’s in it for me?

It’s that time of year, with Christmas approaching, when gift buying is in progress. This is closely followed by the wrapping. Then, for those islanders with family and friends overseas, it’s the seasonal trip to the Post Office, standing at the counter filling in the customs declaration forms. While I understand why this must be done and I unhesitatingly attach these labels to my parcels, I wish it wasn’t necessary. It spoils the fun! It’s practically impossible for the recipient to wait until Christmas to find out what gift is inside. What the item is and what it is worth is written in plain sight for everyone to see! To answer the question, “What’s in it for me?” they only need to read the label on the packaging.

Keeping gifts a surprise for those who are islanders may still be challenging – perhaps you or someone you know is the one who can’t help but squeeze and shake every present to try to work out what it is. With varying degrees of accuracy, we declare with certainty that we are getting a book, a box of chocolates or an umbrella! We can hide the presents away or try to disguise the shape, but to answer the question, “What’s in it for me?” they only need to give the present a good feel before announcing, “I’m getting a Toblerone again!”

Interestingly, the most costly gift ever given in this world was unrecognisable. Most people missed it! What was it? Who gave such a gift? In the Bible, which tells the story, 1 John chapter 4 verse 14 reveals: “The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world”. Inside that tiny, insignificant looking package, born in an outbuilding in Bethlehem around two thousand years ago, wrapped in swaddling clothes without a label, beat a heart of love. God himself took human flesh, becoming one of us, so that he could put right all the wrongs and fix all the brokenness in this troubled world. He is the only one who can.

In the words of the well-known carol Hark! the herald angels sing there is some explanation as to why most people missed the significance of this gift – ‘Mild he lays his glory by, Born that man no more may die …veiled in flesh, the Godhead see’. The gift wasn’t what people were expecting a Saviour to be like. At the time most people were expecting a Warrior-King. It was the angels of heaven who revealed the gift (and the giver) to those who did see – the humble shepherds. Throughout his life Jesus Christ revealed his heart of love to eye-witnesses. His perfect life and sacrificial death opened the way for the human race to have a restored relationship with God.

Over two thousand years nothing has changed.  As another Christmas rolls around we wish for peace in the world; for wars to cease, illnesses to be cured and for peace, joy and prosperity for ourselves and our loved ones. We all recognise trouble and brokenness, wrongs we commit and things that other people do wrong to us. Many still miss the gift, given so long ago, to put everything right. It’s still relevant. Still available. Still free. And totally worth it. To answer the question, “What’s in it for me?”  – you will find everything you’ve ever wanted! With a perfect personal fit! There is so much wrapped up within this precious gift; peace, forgiveness, companionship, comfort, security, safety, joy and pure love.

Do you feel dissatisfied with what you have and with what your life is like? Do you feel like there must be more to have? If you feel like this you are probably right! Why not explore more about God’s precious gift this Christmas time? In the Bible there are four accounts of Jesus’ life, one in each of the gospels –  Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. You can read the Bible online or we would be happy to give you a copy if you would like one. If you would like to hear more, we are holding our Carol Service on Sunday 22^nd December at 6pm. You are very welcome to join us. Happy Christmas from La Villiaze Church.