“For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life . . . whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed . . .” John 3:16, 18 (NIV)
We own LOTS of blankets and ‘throws’ in our house. There is a closet in our room that is stuffed full…and the bottom of our hall closet contains even more. Thankfully, living in Florida, we don’t have much need for them. But when we do, we have plenty to choose from. Which is why I thought the gift Katie showed me, just received from one of her students, wasn’t all that exciting!
As far as blankets go, it is very pretty. It has a Scottish pattern to it…and being Scottish, the appeal is apparent. But it’s a BLANKET! And, as I’ve said, we have LOTS of blankets! Last night, as Katie was carefully folding it, she said, “this is the most comfortable blanket I have EVER owned! I LOVE it!” Naturally, my immediate reaction was to reach for it!
The texture of the comforter has a smooth and silky feel to it. Touching it immediately drew me in, creating the desire to wrap myself in its AHHHHHHHsomeness! I guess my face registered that desire far too well, because Katie immediately pulled it back and said, “this is mine, you can’t have it! It is the most comfortable blanket I have EVER owned!” Then I understood.
The story of Christmas is a story of a search for the ONE thing for which nothing else can satisfy or fulfill. Every year I want to discover and find a special gift that will show my love and gratefulness to the one who loves me. And NO one loves me like Jesus Christ!
The Christmas Search was started, not by Wise men, but by God Himself! He KNEW what He wanted, but ‘IT’ being out of His grasp, was completely unacceptable. So He sought a solution! Then, when confronted with the cost, He didn’t hesitate to pay the price. But surprisingly, what He sought and paid for by choice, could not be forced upon the object of His love.
When the Wise men came to Bethlehem, They were alone! They shouldn’t have been! The promise of The Savior and Messiah King had been boldly proclaimed for centuries. While THEY sought, the rest of the world slept! Apparently the world was satisfied with what they already had. At least enough to not search for anything better.
It is my hope that the world will see how much I love and appreciate the love and comfort of ‘The Savior’ of MY life. And that seeing it, THEY will want to search and discover the one who is also searching for THEM! This gift is FAR TOO BIG to keep to oneself… it has GOT to be shared!
Are YOU COMFORTABLE with Jesus?
