What Do You Want for Christmas? Jewelry? Clothes? Something for your house? Maybe a Red Ryder carbine-action two-hundred-shot range model air rifle? Or you just might prefer the one-size-fits-all cash gift. Sometimes our wishes are pretty big – my son wanted a LEGO® Star Wars Death Star (retail 499.99) – needless to say, he did not get it. Some of us are satisfied with a bit less. When I was a little girl, I just wanted paper and pencils – guess I’ve always been a writer at heart. Maybe your Christmas list is less tangible – something that can’t be wrapped up and put under the tree. If you wrote it out it might say “peace” “joy” “hope” or “love.” Maybe your list includes “acceptance” “freedom” or “rest.”
To the one who asks for peace, Jesus said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you” (John 14:27). For the one who has lost their joy David wrote, “You will fill me with joy in Your presence” (Psalm 16:11). If you need hope this Christmas, hear God’s words in Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Do you wish for love? “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God” (1 John 3:1). This same verse fills your desire for acceptance – God calls Himself your Father and He accepts you as His child. If freedom tops your list you can find release – the Psalmist says “O Lord, truly I am your servant . . . You have freed me from my chains” (Psalm 116:16). Maybe you just want a little rest this Christmas. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Beloved, whatever it is you long for this Christmas, you will find it in Jesus. There is nothing on your list that He cannot provide. He is the greatest Gift and can fill your heart’s deepest longing. No, it won’t be wrapped in paper and ribbons sitting under your tree. You’ll find this priceless gift wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger (Luke 2:12).
Deeper Roots 