How do you feel about receiving unexpected gifts? Not something you hinted and hinted at for months or something straight from your Christmas list, but a total surprise. How excited you are probably depends on who the gift is from. If it’s a Secret Santa gift from a neighbor you barely know, it may not be that thrilling. But if it’s from a person you love and trust, you would probably be much more enthusiastic!

When someone really knows you, their gift is more meaningful – specifically picked out with your interests, circumstances, and desires in mind. It could be something you would actually use! Something that would make you smile. Maybe even something you didn’t know you needed.

Jesus is that unexpected gift who came to Earth from God. Before we knew this baby, we didn’t know what we were missing! But God was able to give this perfect gift to us because God created us, knows our hearts, and loves us deeply. God knew exactly what we needed.

The joy of Christmas, with that little baby in the manger, is something special. But that joy we feel is usually tied up with anticipation for family celebrations, gifts exchanges, or drinking hot cocoa by the fire. Sometimes when that excitement is over — so is the joy of Christmas. But really, it’s only the beginning!

Just as you have to unwrap a gift to see what it really is, we have to dig deeper into this perfect gift of Jesus of Nazareth. The real joy is in getting to know Him. Seeing how He served humbly and stood up for the needy. Discovering His power as He walked on water before His disciples and healed those who touched His robes. He is our living hope and our example to follow as we live out our lives on Earth.

This Christmas, don’t be satisfied with the temporary joy of the season. Focus on the gift of Jesus, who daily leads us to joy. The enduring satisfaction and peace that comes from being part of His mission and working toward restoration with your God is one of the greatest joys there is!