, which means "God is with us." When I understood that, Christmas was no longer merriment, music, and money. It was wonder, majesty, and splendor at the thought of what God had done.
One of my Christian friends called me that first Christmas eve and said, "Sammy, let's get together this evening for a time of prayer."
I had already spent time with my family exchanging gifts. After receiving permission to go with my friends, we found a small country church whose doors weren't locked. All four of us went to our knees in worship and adoration of the Savior. As we spent time expressing our love to the Savior, it struck me like a bolt of lightening. We had been caught up in giving and receiving gifts to each other, but what had we given to Jesus. After all, He's the reason for the season.
We wept before the Lord. I told Him, "Oh, God, I love You! I love You so much. Tonight, I want to give you a gift. Before this holiday season is over, I want to give you a gift." In my naivety, I continued praying, "I want to give You a soul! Yes, this Christmas, I want to lead someone to a personal faith in You."
As I prayed that prayer, I knew enough to know that it was impossible to bring someone to Christ on my own timetable. I couldn't just decide one day that I was going to lead someone to faith in Christ, and then it would automatically happen. That left absolutely no room for the Holy Spirit to work. So, I continued praying, "Oh, God, I want to do this, but I can't. I so desire to give You a gift this Christmas, but I'm unable to do it. So, if you want me to give you a gift, then You're going to have to bring a person who is ready to receive You across my path."
A few nights later, my friends and I were having another prayer meeting on a hill near the Louisiana state capitol building. Four young men drove up and went to the other side of the hill and began drinking alcohol and singing. My friends and I went over and spoke with them about Christ. They stopped their drinking and listened intently. God had prepared their hearts. They were ready to receive Christ into their lives. They prayed and asked Christ to come into their lives and forgive their sins.
I was overwhelmed with the wonder and majesty of that first Christmas. No, I'll never forget it. Why don't you consider getting with some friends this Christmas, or just getting by yourself and giving yourself completely to God. During the first Christmas, wise men brought gifts to Jesus. Wise men still bring gifts to Jesus. Make your life a living gift to Jesus this Christmas. It will be a Christmas you'll never forget.
