I didn’t get to see my four-year-old’s excitement when he saw his gift for the first time. The four-level Matchbox car garage stretched across our living room, making its home between the coffee table and the television. The cars that plunged down the ramp promptly wedged themselves under the piano. Caleb loved it. “This is so co-ol.” He says “cool” with two syllables.

The Sparkle in His Eyes

I wish I’d seen his first look, but I didn’t. He’d awakened Granny first. The two of them snuck into the living room before the rest of us were awake.

“Did you get a picture?” I asked Granny. No, she hadn’t, she told me. I took a picture. It was okay. The sparkle in his eyes was still there.

It was just the beginning. As he opened his other presents he became increasingly excited with each one. “Mommy, look what I got!” (Except the clothes from Granny. Those he left in a heap at the couch’s edge.)

I looked at my little guy and took in all of his delight at his gifts. I wondered, did I still have that joy at the Gift I’ve been given? 

As we celebrate with toys and trinkets and loads of food, I sometimes miss the point totally. What am I really celebrating, and do I have that sparkle in my eye about the best Present of all? It isn’t about stuff. It isn’t even about the wonderful people we have over for a Christmas feast. It’s about a little baby in a manger 2,000 years ago. It’s about His life. It’s about his death and resurrection. Do I really get that? 

And if I do, am I living like I believe it?

The Best Present Ever

Jesus Christ is the best present I will ever get. He loved me so much that he came to die for me, to cleanse me from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). My sin has been wiped away. I no longer have to live in self-doubt, or anxiety, or depression. My hurts don’t have to control me or my actions. His love frees me.

I am a child of the living God, forever. I can live for the Kingdom here on earth and share the Father’s love with others around me who might not meet Him otherwise. Those with hurts and self-doubt. Those who struggle with anxiety and depression. Those who don’t know about the Father’s love. He is real. He is love. He is life. His Son is the Gift of all gifts. Nothing else can possibly compare. 

Now that’s something to get excited about. My eyes must be sparkling.