More Presents to Unwrap

What fun it is to unwrap a present! The anticipation! The guessing! Let's face it, it's part of the magic of the Christmas season. Truthfully, as much as I like to open a present, I enjoy watching a child unwrap a present even more. I am a great-aunt to six children and ,oh, the sound of them opening their presents on Christmas is beautiful. I can still see the paper and bows flying every where as they impatiently tear into their gifts. Of course, we get pictures of all of it. Then, the play time begins. Every toy has to be tried out. Every outfit has to be tried on. I'm usually exhausted at the end of the day just observing all of the activity of the children.

I have a friend who does not have any children of her own. However, she and her husband have unofficially adopted the children of their best friends. On Christmas morning, they roll out of bed at 7:00 AM and - still in their pajamas - drive to the home of their adopted children so they can be there when they get up and watch them open their gifts. That's how much enjoyment they get from it.

But, imagine never opening the presents. What if you had just left your presents under the tree this year having decided to just look at the beautiful paper and ribbons. What if the children woke up on Christmas morning and just sat around the tree and gazed upon their gifts. They would never be able to play with their new toys. They would never be able to feel the warmth of the new sweatshirt or new socks. If you had received a new coffee maker from your spouse, you would never enjoy the coffee that machine produced. What good would that be?

Imagine further if someone handed the gift directly to you with a broad smile on their face saying they had purchased it just for you. What if they told you they sacrificed greatly in order to buy this gift for you because they loved you deeply. What would it be like if you just held the gift in your hands or set it on the table so you could look at it and think about it. You would never know what was inside. You would never be blessed by its contents.

I know Christmas has long passed, but My friend, do you have unopened presents under your tree today? Our Lord Jesus has purchased many presents for you and He can't wait for you to open them so you can enjoy them. He knows how your heart is breaking because you have lost someone you love. He understands your grief and he has picked out gifts just for you. All you have to do is open them. The first present He is handing you is the present of hope.

 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
 my hope comes from him. (Psalm 62:5 NIV)

I see another gift Jesus is handing to you. It is the gift of peace.

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8 NIV)

I hope you are not yet tired of unwrapping! Jesus is handing you still another gift. It is the gift of joy.

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. (Psalm 94:19 NIV)

Look, there is still another present! Are you feeling overwhelmed by all of the gifts? Jesus is offering a huge box wrapped in sparkling paper with gold ribbon.This is a very expensive gift. It's the gift of love.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 NIV)

Precious friend, don't leave these gifts unwrapped. Jesus may be handing them to you, but you can't benefit from them and heal until you accept them and open them. What are you waiting for? Let the wrapping paper fly!

Journaling Ideas

1. Describe the gifts Jesus has given you.
2. What was the best moment of your Christmas holiday?
3. What was the worst moment of your Christmas holiday?
4. What are your hopes and dream for the upcoming year?
5. Read Jeremiah 29:11. How does this verse apply to you?

Your Grieving Toolbox

Today's tool for your toolbox is a thank-you note. As you are writing your thank-you notes to your friends and family for your Christmas presents, remember to include one for Jesus. Literally, thank Him in a note for the gifts He has given you. Then, put it on your refrigerator so you can see it every day.

Beloved child of God, I pray that God will sustain you according to His promise and that as you live your life, your hopes will not be dashed. May the Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace encircle you with blessings. May you clap with the rivers and sing for joy with the mountains as Jesus shows you the full extent of His love. Amen. (Based on Psalm 119:16, Isaiah 9:6, Psalm 98:8 and John 13:1)

Comments

[Lindy Abbott]

you blow me away with how your bring so many topics into the grieving process. You topic drew me in because I still have my Christmas tree up. No presents left, but I have bought items before and never opened them up from the box. what good is it? I love this comparison to all the gifts from God we get but never utilize. thanks for the reminder.

[Cathey Stott]

Lindy,
Thank you so much for your comment and encouragement. Blessings.

 
Cathey W. Stott, BCPC

Board Certified Pastoral Counselor

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[DLynne]

This is just wonderful Cathey. I've opened them all except Joy. Still working on that one. I have joy in knowing my son is with God in heaven. But find little joy in my life without him. Still, I'm thanking Jesus for all His love, so that I have peace with Him and the hope of joining Him and my son someday. Thank you!