What Can I Give Him?

I actually caught myself saying it yesterday.

To my credit, I am experiencing a lot of shifting sand these days. Few of my plans seem firm, let alone permanent. I am more than ready to get on with things and move forward towards whatever is next.

But, to actually say that I am ready for Christmas to be over!?!?!

It was a mouth-covering, Linus-wondering-if-the-Great-Pumpkin-heard-him moment.

Because, Christmas is the best time of year from every perspective. From shifting sand or firm rock, Emmanuel, God With Us, is come. And, I honestly cannot think of anything better.

When you give the birth of Christ the "It's a Wonderful Life" treatment, things look pretty grim for a Gentile gal like me. What would my life be like in 2007 if Jesus had never come?

I don't like the sight of blood, so bringing a sweet little animal to pay for my sins would be a very tough sacrifice. And, because I'm not of Jewish heritage - not even close - would I even have known to convert to Judaism? Would they have even let me in?

What would my life be like without knowing that if God is for me, who can be against me (Romans 8:31)? How could I handle a crisis without praying to my Heavenly Father? Where could I turn for guidance if the Holy Spirit wasn't living in me (John 14:16)?

Christmas might cost me some money and cause me to be busier than usual, but isn't it a good thing to show your friends and loved ones what they mean to you with a gift -- or your presence?

Obviously, my line of thinking hasn't been going down the right path. Because if it was, I would be thinking about one thing: What can I give Him who has done so much for me?

I read recently that if you ask God this question, He will answer you.

So, Lord, what can I give You this Christmas season? I want to serve You and love You more and more. Thank you for sending Jesus, Your perfect Son to this earth to experience cold and heat, light and darkness, and even love and hate, in the same way I experience these things. I love You, Lord. Show me Yourself in a new and wonderful way this Christmas season. And, please show me what I can give to You.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen

"What can I give Him,Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would give Him a lamb.
If I were a wise man,I would do my part.
But what can I give Him --I give Him my heart. "
Christina G. Rosetti