Do you believe you will you get what you hoped for?  Will you receive that special something you’ve admired during one of your Christmas shopping ventures?   After all, tis’ the season for receiving what’s on your Christmas list.  You know what I mean, the stuff… that diamond bracelet, the new pair of skis, the new watch you’ve been admiring, the new car, the toy that’s going to make your day. 

I distinctly remember when I was a young child desperately wanting a drum set for Christmas.   My wife still becomes emotional when I tell this story.   My mom knew it, Santa heard about it, and I was convinced that I would get it.  I truly believed if my wish was on Santa’s list it was a done deal!  Unfortunately, I couldn’t comprehend that my parents would never be able to afford a ‘real’ drum set.

I was eight years old.  It was time to open our gifts and I ran elatedly to the fireplace and saw ‘IT’.  There was the huge box underneath the tree.  Surely Santa knew what I wanted!  Quickly I tore into the box only to have my heart crushed.  Instead of a brand new drum set – I opened the package to find an imitation plastic snare drum with two plastic drumsticks.  I was shocked!  I just couldn’t express my despair and extreme let down.  Somewhere deep inside, I knew my parents cared about me – but, no doubt, I didn’t get what I hoped for.

We all have stories of disappointments and unanswered hopes and expectations.  It’s easy for us to dwell on all of the empty promises and dreams that we “wished” for that never became a reality. This Christmas let us dwell on what IS real, what is transforming, what is the greatest gift to all mankind!  Are we willing to receive God’s gift this Christmas season? 

Let us pray to for an open heart to welcome the ultimate gift that God brings forth for us today.   God’s gift of redemption and love.   The gift of Jesus.  Jesus comes to be a living presence in our lives, guiding, supporting and directing our path.  He is a God of Presence- God is with us!

This Gift unites heaven and earth.  The kontakion of vespers of the Nativity says, “Today God has come upon earth, and man has gone up to heaven.  Today, for man’s sake, the One Who by nature is invisible becomes seen.  Therefore let us give glory and cry aloud to Him.   Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, which Your coming has bestowed upon us.  O Savior, Glory to You.”

We are invited to not only receive the gift, not only open the gift in our heart but we are to wear this gift.  We wear God’s gift by girding our self with truth, putting on the breastplate of righteousness, putting on the shield of faith to quench any attack of the invisible invaders of anger, despair, lust, or fear. We should immerse ourselves with prayer and supplication to God being open to a new way of life!  Imagine the possibilities!

Many are baptized, wear a cross, go to church - but each day we must make a choice to receive and wear this gift – as the baptismal hymn invites “to clothe yourself in Christ.”  Have you made this choice to be a Christ bearer, a lover of God?  When you chose to receive Him,  God promises us the peace of Jesus to rule our heart being bound together in love doing all things for the glory of God. 

This gift will be with us in sorrow to brush away our tears when we are hurting.  Jesus will be with us when we fall, to raise us up and give us the confidence and courage to walk knowing we are His beloved.  He will be with us when we feel weak, opening our mind and heart to new possibilities to make us strong.  He will be with us through any illness, disease and even in death making us confident in His purpose, promises and grace.

This ultimate gift ‘if’ received and not tossed out, put on the shelf or kept in the box WILL change your life.  God’s gift of Jesus will restore and bring us new life and new vision!   Be assured, as you truly receive this ultimate gift of Christ in your heart, God’s presence will help you respond to life’s challenges with hope, faith, love, and compassion rather than anger, anxiety, despair, and fear!

At the end of December, when the dry tree needles are falling to the ground, and there are no more beautifully wrapped presents underneath the tree. When family members have left and gone back home. When the excitement of Christmas that took weeks to build to a crescendo becomes a fleeting memory and when life has gotten back to normal, let us say with a resounding faith that we received what we hoped for, that we received Christ! 

May we hope to be faithful stewards of the time we are given in each day.  May we become vessels of the Holy Spirit receiving God’s love and becoming His instrument of peace.

Christ is Born!  Let’s Glorify Him!

+fr. tom