What a Gift

Jesus, you had everything you could ever want in Heaven—except us.

So you left comfort I can’t even begin to imagine to come down to get us.

What a gift.

 

Father God, you wanted to save us, to love us, to give us an amazing new life …

So you were willing to let your son go, to release him so he could pay for our sin.

What a gift.

 

What sorrow, what horror you suffered for us.

What love you must hold in your heart for us.

What tenderness, what patience you still show to us, as we struggle to believe and accept what you offer.

 

We celebrate the baby.

We study the man who taught us about the father.

We weep at the cross.

Our eyes spring open wide at the resurrection

We plead for the prayers you make for us now that you are back at your father’s side.

What a gift.

 

Isaiah 9:6-7:

For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given,

    and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace

    there will be no end.

He will reign on David’s throne

    and over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding it

    with justice and righteousness

    from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty

    will accomplish this.