What's in the Box?

December is normally a month where the mail increases and a few more boxes appear on the porch. It's always fun to open the boxes and see what is inside but when Christmas is approaching then it probably means that there are presents in those boxes and you should only open the box if your name is on it. It's hard to keep the identity of the contents a surprise but it make Christmas morning a lot more fun when you open the present and are truly surprised! As we live one day at time, the days following up to Christmas seem so much longer. When you were a child did you ever peak into closets to try and find where the presents were hidden so that you could see what you might be receiving? One time I remember pestering my parents until they finally told me...I was shocked (that they actually told me) and then a little disappointed because I had spoiled it for myself.

Well, you know what? There is one present that came wrapped in swaddling clothes a little over 2000 years ago and you don't have to wait until December 25 to open it. It is a gift that was given to all of us and we only have to accept it. I remember the illustration about how a gift isn't any good if you don't ever open it.

God sent His Son to earth in human form as a baby born of a virgin so that He could grow up among men and minister to them until He died on the cross to take our sins on Himself.

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." A gift-to anyone who believes and accepts. You can also give this gift to everyone. It is a gift that never runs out and one size does fit all. It also never has to be returned and it has a lifetime warranty! 

1 Corinthians 15:51-55

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

Who wouldn't want to open that box or gift?!