What's In The Wrapping?

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7

O.K. girls, be honest - are you as exhausted as I am? Here it is two days before Christmas, and I feel like I'm ready for a long-winter's nap! I must say, I do love this time of year. Last night I pulled down some old photo albums, and was looking at the pictures of Christmas' past when my boys were younger. Needless to say I was brought to tears as I reflected on those special times.
I remember one particular Christmas - Caleb must have been five or six years old. He'd gone shopping for his family in the Santa Shop at school. As I picked him up that day he was so excited about a gift he'd bought for me. He talked about this "surprise" all the way home, and even told me that if I wanted, he'd let me have it as an early Christmas present. Needless to say he was a little disappointed when I told him no, let's wait for Christmas day and I'd unwrap it then. So, Christmas day finally arrived, and as we went to open gifts, Caleb wanted me to open mine first. Inside the wrapping was a small crystal teddy bear. It probably cost him $3 or $4 at most, but to him (and to me) it was a priceless treasure. I still have that teddy bear sitting on my computer stand, and each time I look at it I remember that Christmas day.
I'm sure we all have found memories of a particular Christmas gift, whether it be one we have given or have received. But let's just pause for a moment and reflect on the perfect Christmas gift ever given. Of course you know I'm talking about God's gift to us, Jesus. God could have given us His gift in rich fancy, shiny wrapping. After all, He was born a King, but instead, this gift was wrapped in swaddling clothes. Swaddling clothes were strips of cloth that the Hebrew women would wrap their babies in to help the baby's body grow straight. It also helped prevent SIDS. The mother would wash her newborn with salt water, anoint him with oil, and then wrap him in the strips of cloth.
Let's take a moment to carefully unwrap this precious gift that God has given to us. In it we find first of all love, but then mercy, and grace, and best of all salvation - eternal life for all who believe in Him. All these things rolled up into one - Immanuel, God with us - Jesus. Oh, what a beautiful gift our Father has given us.
But we can't leave this gift wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. No, God's perfect gift lived a perfect life, "humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." He died a humiliating and painful death for you and for me. God the Father highly exalted Him. He is now our risen Lord, and He lives and reigns forever!
So, I challenge you, on Christmas morning as you unwrap your gifts, take time to thank God for the perfect gift that He's given to mankind. Take a closer look at the Gift that He gave, wrapped in the swaddling clothes.
On behalf of the Venture Women's Ministry, I wish you and your family a very blessed and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Donna