By Hacklock
This Christmas season I’m already thankful for an AWESOME Christmas gift. No, I’m not going back to the simple Sunday School question, “What’s the greatest gift of Christmas?” to which the obvious answer is “JESUS!” Of course, that’s absolutely true. But, next to Jesus, the most AWESOME gift I’ve received on earth is, without question, my dear wife, Heather. I too often take her for granted. But, on this day leading up to Christmas, I’m reminded of how blessed I am to have her as my wife. This struck me as I pondered all those around me who have lost their spouse this past year. As they face Christmas alone, they’re struck with the painful incompleteness of being without their other half. I’m reminded to never forget how wonderful it is to have someone who loves me so completely … sacrificially, unconditionally and incarnationally.
Prov. 31 says it well …
10 An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life. …
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
If you’re privileged to be facing this Christmas with a spouse at your side, please slow down and thank God, and your spouse, for the gift. You may say, “It may be a gift, but mine’s defective!” To this I reply that EVERY gift in a sinful world is defective to one degree or another. But, the forgiveness and power of Jesus can and WILL bring healing to even the most dysfunctional marriage. And, by Christ’s power, the delights in the gift begin to outshine the defects.
Slow down. See the gifts you ALREADY have. REJOICE in the AWESOME gift of a godly spouse … this Christmas and always.