The Perfect Gift

If only our lives were as simple as Santa’s.

Ask a child how Santa knows where to go and he or she will tell you. Santa has Rudolph.

You know—as in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. In his famous song Santa asks, “Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?” The rest, as they say, is history—uh, make-believe history.

While that works in the fantasy world, what about in real life? How can you find your way?

For the real world, a GPS gadget is just the ticket. GPS stands for “Global Positioning System.” It relies on a system of satellites to pinpoint where you are and show you where to go.

We used one on our Thanksgiving trip. It was amazing--our own personal guidance system.

To get to places we’d never been before, it was invaluable. Instead of straining to see tiny print on a map and missing exits due to heavy traffic, we listened to the calm GPS voice. It told us when to turn and where to go. It even knew locations of gas stations and restaurants.

For familiar places we still followed the GPS directions. As a result we found new routes with less traffic and shorter travel times.

It was a little scary because we had to trust an electronic gadget. But it never let us down.

If only there was a GPS for navigating through our personal lives! Wouldn’t that be great?

Well hold on for just a minute—there is one. It’s called the Bible.

Someone said B-I-B-L-E stands for “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.” I like that.

The Bible says in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.”

Even when life gets scary, God is the Shepherd who guides us. He will never let you down.

Israel’s King David wrote in Psalm 23, “He leads me.” He said, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me.”

Later the Psalmist adds, “For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.” Then, “You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.”

In the New Testament Gospel of John, Jesus tells us he is the Good Shepherd who leads his sheep. But here’s the key: you must trust him enough to follow him.

The only way to find out where Jesus will lead you is to follow him. It’s like when we used the GPS. When we followed it, it worked. If we didn’t trust it, we would have been lost.

Skeptical? That’s OK. Try getting to know Jesus first. Read about him in the Gospel of John. Talk to others who have followed him for a while. You’ll find he never lets you down.

Jesus invitation is simple: “If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.” The choice is yours.

But you must find Jesus for yourself. For that you need the Bible. It’s God’s GPS to lead you to the babe in the manger who became the Savior on the cross.

God planned the first Christmas so we wouldn’t miss his Son. God announced through the prophets that Jesus’ birth would be in Bethlehem. That way we’d know where to look. All the prophecies are like flashing arrows pointing to Jesus.

Just as God led the wise men to Bethlehem and Jesus, he is trying to lead us to Jesus. The point of the Christmas story is not the gifts of the wise men but the gift of God.

The Bible says, “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.” It’s the perfect gift that keeps on giving. And it’s for you and everyone who will call on Jesus’ name.

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!

No Pokies

Children have a way of getting right to the point.

Last week I spoke to my granddaughter on the phone. She will soon be five years old. I told her I loved her and can’t wait to hug her and kiss her. Normal grandpa stuff.

Her response? “I love you too, Grandpa. You can come soon and hug me and kiss me. But no pokies.”

What she meant by “No pokies” was a mystery. Then my daughter got on the phone and explained that her husband shaves once a week. My granddaughter wanted to be sure my beard wasn’t prickly. That way there’d be no “pokies.”

Well, needless to say, I had a good chuckle. I thought, “How precious!” Then I told my wife we need to go visit them soon so I can hold my granddaughter and get those hugs and kisses.

There’s something about the honesty and innocence of children that inspires us. And they can teach us much if we will pay attention.

Well, hold on just a minute. Aren’t we supposed to teach children?

Yes, but there is much we can learn from them. Especially when it comes to faith.

Jesus knew that some of the purest faith in the world belongs to children. The average adult of his day viewed children as unimportant and something of a bother. Even Jesus’ disciples.

One day when parents wanted Jesus to pray for their children, the disciples rebuked them. So Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Another time Jesus added, “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

His point? The openness, faith and receptivity of children are an example to us.

The kingdom of God must be received as a gift. It is available to all who are humble and know they are helpless. Human effort is of no avail.

And that’s really the point of Christmas.

Christmas is about God offering us a gift. We did nothing to deserve it. He offers us a Savior who can forgive our sin and give us eternal life—a life of joy and purpose.

It cost God a lot. He gave us his very best. But it’s a free gift to all who receive it with the simple faith and trust of a child. Will you open your heart and accept it by faith?

As adults it’s too easy for us to lose Jesus in the Christmas rush. Don’t let it happen to you.

So when you gather with your family this year, watch the little children. Not only are they cute, they’re special to God. Their faith can point our hearts in the right direction.

And guys, if you want hugs and kisses—be sure you don’t have any “pokies”!

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!