The Gift

Lord, break my heart today for what breaks yours.

On this Christmas morning I wonder, what would break God’s heart on today of all days? Then he revealed to me this analogy.

As you awake this morning, you realize this is the day, the culmination of weeks or even months of planning and shopping, plus company and social parties. Over the last weeks the songs in the air have changed to carols, decorations carried a common theme throughout the world, the majority of the country congregated in malls seeking the perfect gift to give on this special day.

At least for this period, everyone's mind had to shift, even for only brief moments, toward the goodwill of another.

All the planning raises great expectations, hopes and desires for this very morning.

For one day we can stop and experience what’s in the deepest part of our souls. Our community, family, peace, joy, sharing and love can come to life.

Today is here, garnished by all the preparation and gathered with those you love. You reach over and hand your gift — the one that represents all that has transpired leading up to this day — to that person across from you who matters deeply.

You wait as they open the gift; seconds seem like forever. You watch his or her face, and if you could, you would have your hand on the person’s heart to see if this gift was able to bring it warmth.

That next moment, a split second after the gift is opened, will tell all. Will you see gratefulness, joy or peace? For that moment, will your hearts connect? Will they understand how much they matter to you? Will they accept the gift and use it?

Wouldn’t it break your heart if the person refused the gift, or just threw it in a pile and walked away?

What could break God’s heart today? This day being the culmination of God’s greatest plan, the gift to the world by the birth of his one and only son Jesus.

As Mary and Joseph stared in awe at their newborn son, God himself — the true father of Jesus, creator of the universe — looked down at Jesus in the manger with every bit of emotion one could imagine.

“My son,” he says in his heart, “My son who will do miracles, bring hope and peace to all mankind, who will change the world for all eternity, who will face death in order to bring life, my newborn son, you are my best work ever, and I hope the world accepts you as my gift to them."

Thousands of years went into planning this day and finding the perfect gift that would bring hope and joy to the world.

What would break God’s heart on this special day?

I think you know the answer.

Just a thought …

#justathought