Gift Exchange

“God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”  -John 3:17

Oh, great. A White Elephant gift exchange. I hope I don’t end up with leg warmers or the movie “Ghostbusters.” Butterflies do the Jitterbug in my stomach as my turn approaches. One gift still unopened. But my eyes spy a heart-shaped bowl across the room. A mischievous grin spreads across my face like butter in a hot pan as I snatch the glass bowl and triumphantly walk back to my seat.

Last person. Of fifty people, surely, he won’t choose the delicate glass piece guarded in my arms. Surely, not. Avoiding eye contact, his laser-beam stare bores a hole in the side of my face. Laughter surrounds us. The spotlight narrows as he kidnaps my bowl. Hope deflates in my chest as I unwrap the last gift. Leg warmers – again.

Hours later, the scent of pine needles fills my lungs and multicolor lights blink in time to Silent Night playing softly on my stereo. “Giving” occupies my overcrowded mind as I reminisce the day. Thoughts wander aimlessly when a Voice commands them to attention. “I Am the Giver of all hope. My gift to you is My Son.”

Realizing the season is His, I have to ask, “What can I give You?”

“His life for yours.”

The true Spirit of the season envelops me as a ready gift to be offered, and I’m filled with all hope. His life for mine. Now that’s an exchange!