Thoughts on Christmas

I love to watch and listen to people. That is especially true this time of year. I watch as adults get giddy with anticipation of family members and firends that are gathering. I see or hear those in love; young and old who are gleeful in anticipation as they bestow just that one special gift for that one special person. There is that excited expectation of the giver for the look of surprise, wonder, indefinable joy. Love's like that. It desires to give by virtue of its integrity, intensity and intimacy. Love desires to express itself in the giving of itself regardless the cost or sacrifice. I've received many great gifts in the course of my lifetime, but the greatest is God's gift of Christ. God delights to see my indefinable, inexplicable joy as I my eyes and heart open in wonder at the magnitude of His gift to me in Christ. His gift still moves me to desire to express appreciation and gratitude through thanksgiving and praise. That gift makes me dersire to pledge my loyalty, love and devotion eveidenced through faithful service. It motivates me to delight myself in
God and in His gift of grace through Christ Jesus. And as God sees all the myriad of thoughts and emotions etched upon my face, reflected in my eyes and treasured and clutched in my heart; He smiles at me and basks in the glow of my worship, adoration and praise which are the evidences of a grateful and reciprocated love for Him.