I, even I, am the LORD, and besides Me there is no savior. ~Isaiah 43:11 NKJV

Johnny rose before the crack of dawn and dashed to his parents’ bedroom. He sought the everlasting Christmas gift, but in the wrong place. 

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 spectacular finish.

Do you remember Christmas mornings, when childhood enthusiasm was this exuberant? As a child, I made every need of mine known. I also sent a letter to Santa at the North Pole, so that he would know, too. I hoped material possessions would make my life complete. But, eventually, the excitement of Christmas faded, and somehow, I still felt empty.

As our years transform into decades, we grow out of our puerile ways, but one fact remains. We search for that one component that will complete our lives. 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 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.

We can only satisfy this void in our souls by inviting the eternal one, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, to be our Lord and Savior. 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.

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 found Him, and so can we. They didn’t experience satisfaction only on Christmas morning. Instead, 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 to receive the everlasting gift from God. This is a present we won’t find under the tree. We discover it as we open our hearts and venture out in faith, surrendering our lives to Jesus Christ’s Lordship. When we do this, we will receive the most treasured blessing ever. Permitting Jesus Christ to direct the course of our lives makes us complete. He is the One who fills the void in every longing heart.

If you haven’t already, consider receiving the gift of salvation 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 rising 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 acknowledge You and listen to Your direction daily. 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.