What's In The Box

I really need to wrap.

The gifts for three family gatherings are piled under a blanket in my bedroom, and not one is adorned with paper or bow. I sometimes think, “Why? Why spend so much time and tape when all will be ripped away in mere seconds? This year, why not pass out unwrapped presents?” But I wouldn’t. It wouldn’t be right. I can’t imagine coming to the tree and having gifts just sitting there for all to see. Knowing what you got the moment you got up would take away something very special from Christmas—the wonder of what’s in the box.

At the three celebrations my family will attend on Christmas Day (in two different states, by the way— good, busy times!), the scene will be much the same. Those present will gather ‘round the tree for a time of sharing. We’ll share praise to our God for the best gift ever—Jesus. We’ll share lots of love as we talk and laugh, and we’ll share the excitement and joy of giving and receiving. At each gathering, someone will be “Santa” and will pass out the gifts under the tree, and then we’ll go around the room and open the gifts one by one, with everyone else watching and waiting and wondering—What’s in the box?

That’s what makes it so fun—the excitement of the one giving and the expectation of the one receiving. The giver can hardly wait to for the “getter” to see what’s inside, and the recipient is anxious to get in there and see! Funny thing, but the more excited the one giving is about the gift, the more excited the one receiving the gift becomes. The paper, bows, and boxes, which at first might seem like barriers, actually build anticipation and add beauty to the gracious exchanges. As our time together comes to an end, the room is filled with expressions of delight and gratitude and the sweet satisfaction of sharing our best with those we love.

I’d better get busy. Only a few days are left before Christmas, and even God wrapped His gift. “You will find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”

Never lose the wonder of what’s in the box.