Christmas Wish List

By Maria Fontaine

Since it’s Jesus’ birthday, it makes sense that we would want to give Him something special, like we often give gifts to our loved ones or do something special for them on their birthdays. But what do you give to the King of the universe, the One who has everything? I was mulling over that question when it occurred to me that we could simply ask Him what He would like most from us. Here are six of His answers:

The Gift of Love

You know how it is about birthdays—everyone likes to feel special on their special day. Well, I’m no different, and Christmas is My birthday.

What do I want most?—You! Having you and your love means more to Me than anything else. At this special time when everyone likes to get together with those who mean the most to them, I want to get together with you. That would make My birthday extra special this year—having some special time with you.

It doesn’t have to be a big, elaborate thing. I’m pretty easy to please in that way. I just want to be with you. We can do whatever you’d like, just so long as we’re together, you and I. We can sit and chat, or we can read something meaningful together and stop and reflect on it. Or we can tell each other what we love and appreciate about each other. These are some ideas of ways you can show that you love Me and haven’t forgotten whose birthday it is.

The Gift of Giving

Christmas is a time of giving. It’s when My Father gave His only begotten Son, Me, to the world. It’s when I came to earth that I might lay down My life in order to give eternal life to all who would receive it. It’s when people give gifts to others in commemoration of the gifts that My Father and I gave them. This Christmas, I ask you to give Me the gift of giving. Give to others, as you would give to Me.

Christmas celebrates God’s “goodwill to men,” but I want it to also be a time of man’s “goodwill to men.” Take a moment to ask Me what you could do for someone else. Return My Father’s goodwill by sharing some of your own.

The Gift of a Thankful Heart

Thank Me for everything that happened to you this past year. Thank Me for the blessings, and thank Me for the tests and challenges that strengthened your character. Thank Me for the love that you received from others, and praise Me for opportunities to show love to others. Thank Me for everything.

It brings Me joy to hear your thankful praises. They bond your heart with Mine and draw us closer, and they can make this Christmas the best you’ve yet experienced. And it doesn’t have to stop after Christmas. Whenever something happens that makes you happy or makes you feel loved, thank Me for that gift. Then it will be a personal gift exchange between you and Me. I give you blessings to make you happy, and you make Me happy by giving Me thanks. As you continue to thank Me for everything, I’ll give you more and every day will be like Christmas.

The Gift of Prayer

It’s a sacrifice to pray for others. It costs you time and effort, but it’s a sacrifice that pleases Me.

If you haven’t made prayer a habit, don’t worry; I see your heart. If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry; I see your heart. If you don’t feel eloquent, don’t worry; I see your heart. If you think you don’t have much faith, don’t worry; I see your heart. It’s your love and concern that moves My hand to meet the needs of those you pray for.

So put your love into action, your faith to work, and My promises to the test by praying for others, and I will more than repay.

The Gift of Forgiveness

Christmas is a wonderful time of year to make things right. And making things right often starts with you taking the step to forgive someone, even if you feel that the other person is the one who should be seeking forgiveness. Has someone said or done something that has hurt you? Forgive. Are you harboring bitterness in your heart toward someone? Forgive.

The Gift of Sharing My Love

I would have gladly come to earth to live and die for you alone, but I also love everyone else in the world just as much. I want nothing more than for everyone to have a chance to experience that love, but many don’t even know such love exists. They need someone to tell them and show them.

It has been rightly said that I have no hands but your hands, no feet but your feet, no eyes but your eyes, and no mouth but yours. If you want to give Me a truly wonderful gift this Christmas, lend Me the use of you. Let Me fill you with My love, and then let that love flow through you to others. 

As you enjoy the blessings of Christmas, stop and think about the meager circumstances Jesus was born into. He had so much, yet became so little. He became nothing so that we could have everything. All that we have, we owe to Him.