A friend of mine attended a Pre-Christmas, family party the other night where gifts were exchanged. Each person had the fun of unwrapping one gift from Santa. Her three-year-old little girl, Katie, along with all the little girl cousins received a Barbie Doll. At the close of the event Katie attentively carried the early present to the car and into the house, obviously pleased with her Christmas surprise. The next day my friend sat wrapping gifts in preparation for the big day ahead. As she wrapped Katie brought her the Barbie she’d received the night before and wanted it re-wrapped. After wrapping it again Katie placed it under the family tree. Throughout the wrapping time Katie disappeared time after time. Back and forth she went from the place in the house where her toys were kept, to the place where her mom was wrapping. Each time she brought with her something she had been given in the past to be re-wrapped and placed under the tree.
Being only three, I’m sure Katie was simply taken with the whole wrapping/unwrapping process and excitement, but for Katie’s mommy this little exercise was the inspiration for a very poignant thought about herself and the gifts she has received from God. She shared with me that she wished she could take all the gifts she had ever received from the Lord and wrap them up and place them under the tree.
While it’s true that part of the Christmas Spirit is being grateful for everything we unwrap on Christmas day, Katie had it right! In her own childlike way, she demonstrated her appreciation for all she has ever received in the past.
What a wonderful picture. When I live “in gratitude” it’s like taking notice of God’s daily gifts, re-wrapping them and placing them one at a time under the Christmas tree. Every gift I receive is in direct connection with the birth and life and death of Jesus Christ. It all belongs under the Christmas tree – really. Like the three-year-old who found such delight in re-wrapping and revisiting her gifts we can re-wrap and open again and again with equal delight and to our hearts desire!
By Nannette W.
Posted Thursday, December 26, 2008
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