Have you ever looked for something for hours and have it right under your nose?

That just happened to me. It was a gift I had wrapped for myself to open this month. I carefully wrapped it in pretty Christmas wrapping and put it away for safekeeping, which usually means it will be so safe I will never find it again. This morning I looked everywhere, even going through the Christmas decorations that sat ready for assembly. Storage areas and even under the beds were checked. Ready to give up, I prayed about it. Revisiting a closet that is in the guest bedroom, but my eyes again did not see the box. Finally, I found it. I had looked at it so often through the year that I had stopped seeing it or appreciating it. I tugged and pulled until it was out.

The Christmas wrapping looked as beautiful as the day I hid it away. I tore open the package as if I didn’t know what was in there, but I knew. It was my favorite Nativity set. I always wrap it in Christmas wrapping to remember that God gave us the gift of His son to be our savior. Why had I not seen it in there? After I put it in there, I overlooked the wrapping that was so beautiful; forgetting what was in the box. I had piled other things on top of it so I took the gift for granted until I drug it out for Christmas.

Oh, Lord, may I never take Your gift of salvation for granted. May I never fail to recognize the beauty that comes from You, help me never forget how much I appreciate my family, may I always give thanks for what we celebrate at Christmas and never let me be tempted to hide Your gift of salvation away to bring out only at Christmas time.

Let me tell the world the good news of Your coming! Joy to the World the Lord has come! And the angel said unto them, “Fear not: for, behold, i bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” (Luke 2:10 NIV)

Jeanie Nihiser
Volunteer and Prayer Warrior with Answers2Prayer Ministries
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)