BEYOND THE TREE

What a wonderful Christmas I had! Great times with family left me with many new memories to treasure. Good food, good fun, presents, laughter, games. It was a perfect birthday party.
And that brings me to the thought that occurred to me the other day. How many of us look beyond the Christmas tree? Beyond the decorations and lights and big dinners to the One whose birthday we celebrate.
The best gift in history was a man named Jesus. We Christians often refer to the hope He brings as the free gift of salvation.
But really, it wasn't such a free gift. It cost. More than any gift in history. And it was given so our rebellious, wounded, angry, hurt, broken and dark world could find light, healing and peace.
I received some lovely presents this year, but the only one that matters is that priceless gift of hope God gave two thousand years ago. A healed relationship with our creator, the one gift that truly does keep on giving.
This year in the U.S. we have seen a rise in homelessness, wars, disturbing political fighting and more school shootings. So much darkness.
But we can choose light. I am so thankful that God offers us that opportunity.
I pray as we go into the new year, we will take advantage of that costly gift we just celebrated, choose light and show love. If we could all do that, if we could all forgive, reach out in kindness, strive to be the wonderful beings we were originally designed to be what an amazingly happy new year we could have.