Oh no…. there’s only 24 shopping days left!! The television and radio advertising is very faithful at reminding us of the limited time we have to find that perfect gift we need to give in order that our most precious of relationships is not tarnished, but only enhanced because we gave that perfect gift this Christmas.So how do we go about searching and acquiring that perfect gift? What are we looking for? What are you searching for this Christmas season?

It always helps to be in a lighted area when we search. We can be in the fluorescent lights of a big box store. We can be in the sunlight streaming through the glass ceiling of a big mall. We can be in the daylight at a yard sale. Or, as we search for the perfect gift for our loved and loved ones, we can search in the light of Christ.Isn’t this a core belief and cause of celebration? The light of the world has come into the world and it is a light that no darkness can overcome. And we can go to a box store, a shopping mall or anywhere seeking gifts and the light of Christ will be with us.When our minds, bodies, souls and spirits search for perfect gifts and true meaning of life, in this light, we find that all other gifts fall into place. All other earthly gifts take on new and fuller meaning when we seek gifts walking in the light that no darkness can overcome.

What are you searching for this Christmas season? Where are you going to find it? As we reflect on these questions, it doesn’t take long for us to realize that we search for something deeper than anything we can purchase from a store, mall or yard sale.And, in our reflection we come to know that we already possess the perfect gift and that is the love of God in the giving of His Son who has come into this world and into our hearts.We have a light , a hope, a peace and a joy that has the power to dispel any hustle-bustle, anxiety, confusion, brokenness, coldness or darkness which seem to try and visit us in extra measure during this season. This power, this presence of God, this light unto the world knows you personally, visits you daily and never, ever will leave you abandoned.

So be sure to give of the gift you have already received.To give the gift of hope, the gift of comfort, the gift of warmth, the gift of light, the gift of love in extra measure is the perfect gift to give this season. And the giving of these gifts isn’t restricted to having to wait for Christmas morning. These gifts are to be given all the time, which leads us to giving of another gift.

This giving of another gift is the giving of true thanks and praise to God Almighty for giving to you and to me and to all of creation the perfect gift; His Son. Don’t wait for Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day to give thanks and praise. Give it always as you search and seek and find and bask in the Light that has come into the world; the light no darkness can overcome.

Have a very Blessed and Merry Christmas.