It's an exciting time of year. More then any other time of year we can look forward to seeing people we've missed, getting off of school and receiving gifts. It's a time of festivities and care free fun. It's helpful to imagine Jesus at our celebrations. What sort of gifts would we buy Him? Surely He would not be interested in the trinkets and cash gifts that are too common in American households.
Obviously conjecture is not really helpful at this point. We can look to scripture though and find some answers to these questions.
In John 17 we find some of Jesus' requests.
My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, (us) that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one- I in them and you in me - so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
Father, I want those you have given me, to be with me where I am and to see my glory the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
First Christ desires unity among believers.
Second, Christ desires unity between believers and Himself.
Third, Christ desires that the world know that He was sent by the Father and that it is loved.
Fourth, Christ wants the glory of the Father to be known.
This is not an exhaustive list by any means. What is important to remember is not to give God a gift He doesn't want. I think we all have experienced that. We've received a gift that the giver thought was the best thing ever, which really was not a good gift at all, they just happened to really like it so they bought it for you thinking you would be really grateful, and you have to pretend you're happy to receive a lousy gift. Let's not make the same mistake with Jesus. Let's not give Him a gift, that He doesn't want. Let's not think we're doing Him a favor by giving Him something He doesn't' need and has never asked for. Honor Him with a present He'd actually like.
Pax Vobiscum until tomorrow.
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