Writer’s Name: Peter Popko
Writer’s Ministry: Celebration Praise Band; Nominations Committee
Scripture: Micah 5:2-3
Have you ever received a Christmas gift exceeding your wishes and expectations? Were you expecting one thing but received a gift that was so much better? I did. It was a Lionel train set. There was a big box under the tree with my name on it. I was filled with joy and excitement when I opened the wrapping and saw what it was.
When I think of God’s amazing gift of His Son to all the world, bringing salvation and eternal life, I realize that He was not the gift expected. Micah and the other prophets foretold His birth, but what they and others expected was another powerful king like David; one who would raise an army to fight and win battles, free from captivity the tribes of Israel, and restore them to greatness. Even Mary and Joseph, and later the disciples, did not fully realize what Jesus’ life was about.
It would have been a different story if God had provided the gift everyone was asking for instead of Jesus Christ. If Jesus had been just a powerful, earthly king, he would need to be followed by another powerful king generation after generation. If God had provided the gift asked for, there would have been no sacrifice on the cross, no resurrection, no conquering of sin and death, and no eternal life with the Father.
So, as we approach the Christmas season, let us be mindful of the wonderful, unexpected gift that God gave on that Christmas Day; not just a baby, not just a man who would become a king, but our Lord and Savior; A gift totally undeserved, but oh so marvelous.
Daily Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to understand the wondrous gift your Father gave to all of humanity for eternity in you. When we pray, keep us from putting earthly limitations on your love and ability to know what is right and good for us and to provide what we need at the right time beyond our expectations.
Discussion/Reflection Questions:
1. How are you putting human limits on God’s ability to act in your life?
2. Have you fully accepted the gift of Jesus Christ, or have you put him away in a closet like a gift that was unwanted or unneeded because He wasn’t the gift you asked for?
3. During this Advent time, as we anticipate the coming of Christ do we fully appreciate how marvelously wonderful God’s gift to the world was?
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