There is a ring of children sitting as close as possible to the Christmas tree, waiting anxiously to find out what is inside.  At the end of the flurry, after the wrapping paper is flung helter-skelter, a new toy or trinket is embraced.  For those who give the least, the gift they receive is worth the most.

Walking cautiously amongst the circle are the helpers.  These are the older ones who have done this before.  Sure, they find pleasure in a newly gotten gift and excitement in finding a new tool or outfit, but they also find joy in gathering gifts and connecting the names with the excited faces.  For those who know what it is like to receive, distribution is a worthy and exciting cause.

Comfortably watching from the recliner and sofa sit the parents and grandparents.  These are the ones that have no needs.  After many years, they have taken on the role of provider.  But there is plenty of excitement in their eyes as they watch the faces of those precious little ones who receive.   For those who give the most, seeing the gift embraced is worth the most.

This might be a common scene at a family Christmas celebration in America today, but it is also a little picture of how God might be looking down from heaven.  The greatest gift is Jesus.  Watching with excitement from afar is God the Father, the generous giver.  The older ones who distribute are the believers who share the good news of Jesus with those who never received.  And finally, the little ones with all the excitement are those who have nothing to give but are anxiously waiting to receive.

Where are you in this Christmas picture? 

God has given us all the wonderful gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ.  God our Father is sitting back, excited to see Jesus, His most precious gift, given again and again. 

Are you waiting anxiously for something precious?  Are you anxious to have a new life?  If this is you, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ today and be saved! 

Have you already received the good news of Jesus?  If this is you, get up and go distribute the gospel to the young and naive.  There is immeasurable joy in distributing God’s precious gift.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith,

and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”

Ephesians 2:8