Christmas is no ordinary day.

It is an outlier to the other 364 days on the calendar, far to the extreme right of center.

It is a day in which we take time to pause and reflect or at least we should.

As Christmas Day arrives, the shopping hopefully is in the rear view mirror.

The hustle and bustle of this season, too often skewed by the frenetic pace which we embrace, does not end but begins to slow down – a bit.

We begin to catch our breath for a few minutes as we gather as a family to read the Christmas story or share other traditions.

Little ones can hardly wait for the day to begin, often times playing the rooster to signal the beginning of this special day while Mom and Dad attempt to prop open their eyelids as they emerge from sleep.

We open up the myriad of presents parked under our inside forests, also known as the Christmas tree.

Have you ever wondered what a visitor from another planet might think if they walked into your house and saw a tree with all kinds of ornaments and decorations on it?

Precious memories are either made or recalled.

We gather with family and friends to share a meal, engage in meaningful conversation, and share a laugh or two.

Some may cry recalling the memory of one no longer with them.

We take five and if we are fortunate, perhaps even a post-meal nap.

Fires roar and lights twinkle, reminding of us of the Light which has come.

It is a signal of why this day is so special in the first place.

We come to realize not only has a gift been given to us, but The Gift has been given to us:

“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light…for unto us a child is born, a Son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!  Isaiah 6:2, 6-7 (NLT)

The thought is sobering when you truly drill down on it.

The Gift…has been given….to us!

He has offered no mere trinket, He has offered Himself.

He is not wrapped, except in love.

He awaits our response and we are free to accept or reject what He offers.

His response is still the same, unconditional and pure love.

When we consider this one solitary life, the choice is ours to make.

He is  known by many names.  He is who you need Him to be!

We can either embrace The Gift or cast Him to the sidelines.

At this Christmastime I invite you to consider your response to The Gift given to us.  I share the video below as you do so.

This blog is not reaching millions or thousands at this point.

However, it is reaching you – my small but growing corner of the world!

Words truly cannot express how grateful I am for you and for your continued encouragement through the kind comments and emails sent to me.

I consider it an honor to share these thoughts with you!

From our family to yours – we wish you a very Merry Christmas as you consider The Gift this Christmas!

Merry Christmas – Bruce & Jackie Cross