ATTENTION EVERYONE: t-minus TEN days until the long-awaited CHRISTMAS BREAK!

That’s right: in just ten short days, you will be free from homework and teachers! Christmas break brings a lot of excitement—from tacky sweater parties (*cough cough* TOMORROW NIGHT), Christmas lights, presents, family gatherings, delicious food, visits to Grandma’s house, the list goes on and on.

We all know the real “reason for the season”, but sometimes the distractions of December cloud up our hearts and our focus begins to shift on worldly things.

Recently, I was reading in Isaiah about fulfilled prophecies and promises that God has kept. I was reminded about the best present we can get: Jesus.

As cliché as that may sound, He truly is the coolest gift. Presents are fun, but the gift we have in Jesus continues to unwrap itself in our lives.

Take off the first bow on the present: you receive unconditional love. Take off the second bow: you receive unlimited grace. Unwrap the first fold of the package: you receive total acceptance and full satisfaction. Unwrap the next fold: you receive holiness and humility.

It’s the gift that keeps on giving, and each gift is just as sweet as the last.

This “gift” we have in Jesus is not something that loses its trendiness, and it’s not something we have to stand in line for at 2am on Black Friday. This gift is free for all and available to all. I love how The Message version of Isaiah 9 puts in perspective this promise He has kept:

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—light! sunbursts of light!

You repopulated the nation, You expanded its joy.

Oh, they’re so glad in Your presence! Festival joy!

The joy of a great celebration, sharing rich gifts and warm greetings.

For a child has been born—for us! The gift of a son—for us!

He’ll take over the running of the world.

His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. His ruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.”

Stocking stuffers are fun, but it doesn’t scratch the surface as to how satisfying Jesus is. Have you accepted this gift? If you haven’t, or if you have questions about this gift we have in Jesus, ask us about it. We would love to help you unwrap this gift! The excitement it brings lasts longer than just the month of December.

-TayMac