The Present Problem

  “For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given.”  Isaiah 9:6

We have a problem with the presents.

Knowing my husband likes to read, I ordered him some books. Knowing I like to read, he ordered me a few too. Packages are showing up, but since we use the same bookstore account, neither of us knows whose they are. If I open them to see, my surprise might be spoiled, and the same holds true for him.

The situation is being solved by having one of our daughters open each box and read the heading. If it’s a book I bought for him, I recognize the name. If I’ve never heard of it before, I know he bought it for me, and hearing only the title doesn’t give away the topic. (For example, a few years ago he gave me The Zookeeper’s Wife which was about hiding and helping Jews in Nazi Poland and The Greatest Game Ever Played which told of a golf match not a football rivalry!)

The system has worked so far, and since only four days and even fewer packages remain to arrive, we hope it holds true for the duration. However, in the spirit of holiday honesty I must admit that knowing the titles has piqued my curiosity and caused me to be even more excited for Friday morning when I can see what subjects he chose this time around.

The first Christmas wasn’t quite so complicated. The One who gave The Gift left little doubt about its recipients—the label listed us all. “For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given” (Isaiah 9:6).  When the good news of grace arrived, no one had to guess who the gift was for. The answer is always you. 

And though the present came wrapped differently than most expected, the package arrived just as had been predicted. “A virgin will conceive and give birth to a son”(Isaiah 7:14). “But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel”(Micah 5:2,4). No one needed to wonder who this baby would be and what He would do because the title gave away the content.  “And his name 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”(Isaiah 9:6-7). 

The few words I know about my gifts don’t tell me much, but what we know about God’s says everything.

“You shall give him the name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins”(Matthew 1:21).

 

Can’t wait for the mail to come today!