Holiday movies are back on TV. I enjoy watching some of the classics year after year. I saw one that had people crammed nose to nose against storefront glass doors waiting for the manager to unlock them so they could stampede in and scoop up the bargains. My son who worked retail scoffed, Yeah. If only!
I thought about that. What if only?
What if we believers waited with as much anticipation for God's blessings as those holiday shoppers we see camping out at the stores, looking to save a few bucks? His love is more than a bargain. It is freely given. All we have to do is take it, open it and claim it as our own. Like the store manager, our Lord wants us to storm the doors and rush in to claim what he has to offer — his love, grace and mercy.
This Christmas season, no matter the economy, no matter how many presents you can or can't afford to buy, take time to receive the free gift of Christ into your heart. It is the one present you should open every day of your life—his presence. He is waiting for you to come get it. Once you do, there is so much more in store for you.
Lord, as we sing of Your coming this season, let us also claim the freely given gift of Your sacrifice for us. For it is the reason you came into the world—so we may enter Your presence. Amen.
Song of Encouragement: Make Room by Jonathan McReynolds ?feature=shared