I, even I, am the LORD, and besides Me there is no savior.

~Isaiah 43:11 NKJV

Johnny rose before the break of dawn and dashed to his parent’s bedroom.

With all the enthusiasm he could gather, he shouted, “Mom, Dad, wake up. It’s Christmas, and Santa has been here. The family opened their presents until all that was left was the torn wrapping paper that encompassed the tree. Soon, the excitement of Christmas morning fizzed like a firework that never quite achieved its spectator finished.

Do you remember Christmas mornings, when childhood enthusiasm was this exuberant? As a child, I made known every one of my needs, and I sent a letter to Santa, addressed to the North Pole, to make sure he would know too. I hoped my life would be complete by material possessions. But, eventually, the excitement of Christmas would fade, and somehow, I still felt empty.

As our years transform into decades, we grow out of our puerile ways, but one fact remains in each of us. We still search for that one component that will make our lives complete. The toys of our childhood couldn’t fill that longing, and neither can the ones we make a substantial effort to have as adults. Endeavoring to satisfy this void with assets is pointless because God had made us eternal beings. The things of this world will inevitably disappear, and the void in our souls will remain–except for God. Our tired spirits wake up each new day, craving the one Person who makes us complete. He is the One we must live for and yield our lives to.

My question for us today is, do we have a void inside of us that we cannot fill? Do we exist throughout everyday life longing for, but never finding fulfillment? Are we thriving or surviving as we go about our lives? We can only satisfy this void by inviting the eternal One, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, to be our Lord as well as our Savior. He is the One who satisfies our soul.

The shepherds longed to know the Savior like this. They did not want to just know about Him; they wanted to know Him intimately. God answered their prayer. We read their story in Luke.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.’

~Luke 2:11-14 KJV

God honored the longing of their hearts, and they were among the first people to know the Savior. Humble shepherds, with a longing for God, found Him–and friend, so can we. They didn’t have satisfaction for Christmas morning–they kept it for their lifetimes and beyond. The gift they received was everlasting.

For God so love the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

~John 3:16 ESV

Make this Christmas the season you receive the everlasting gift from God. This is a present you won’t find under the tree. You will discover it as you open your heart and venture out in faith, surrendering your life to Jesus Christ’s Lordship. That’s what will satisfy. To know Him and yield our lives to the One who gave His all. I guarantee you this will be the most treasured blessing you will ever receive. Permitting Jesus Christ to direct the course of your life will make you complete. He is the One who fills the void in every longing heart.

Have you received the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ? Consider doing so today.

Lord Jesus, I acknowledge there is a void in my heart that no one can fill but You. Thank You for shedding Your blood and dying on Calvary’s cross and then raising to life, victorious over death, hell, and the grave. You paid sin’s price of death so that I can live a victorious, fulfilling life. I ask You to be the Savior and Lord of my life. Forgive me of my wrongdoings and purify me through Your shed blood. Help me to daily acknowledge You listen for Your direction. I look forward to the day that I will be with You in heaven forever.

Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction–body; fiction–first paragraph

Copyright 2021: The Everlasting Christmas Gift: Ed Chappelle: All Rights Reserved.