Wrapped Gifts!

Gifts! Many were given and received over the last few days. Garbage bags quickly filled with the discarded ribbon and gift wrap which was feverishly ripped away to reveal each gift. Today some of those gifts are continuing to be enjoyed and appreciated while others are being taken to the stores to be returned or exchanged. For many that's what it's been all about. For many that's what all the anticipation was focused on. However, the real gifts are those which are still enjoyed and appreciated long after the wrapped ones are used up, worn out, or lost interest in.

It has been said, "The best gift is a family that is all wrapped up in each other."

We were not able to be surrounded by all our FAMILY over the last few days, but we sure enjoyed those with whom we were. It was time to visit and laugh and hug. It was time spent being reminded of what the greatest gifts are. It was not those that had been placed under the tree, but FAMILY; people who mean so much to each other.

There is another FAMILY to be all wrapped up in. That is GOD'S FAMILY. The relationships there are also a gift. God placed us in that FAMILY when we were united with Christ. He desires for us to cherish those relationships and to become wrapped up in that sense of FAMILY.

The Hebrew writer stated. . .
"(11) For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified ALL HAVE ONE ORIGIN. That is why HE IS NOT ASHAMED TO CALL THEM BROTHERS," ( Hebrews 2:11 ESV)

The New Living Translations reads, "have the same Father" and the New International Version reads, "are of the same family". The Literal Greek is "from out of one all" or "from one all". The reference of the Hebrew writer is to Jesus. As our elder brother, He has provided the means to be drawn into this marvelous FAMILY relationship. Praise God for such a Lord and Brother as we have in Him.

Have a great day WRAPPED UP IN THE LOVE OF GOD'S FAMILY!
Carl

-----------------------
[This focus was originally sent 12/26/1998 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

.

See other teEn-MAIL on God's Family