I like the song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” but find myself adjusting the words to “It’s the Most Overwhelming Time of the Year.” I truly appreciate all the cards, cookies, candy, and other gifts with which I am blessed. I don’t feel deserving and am rather humbled that people would think about me. I wish I were able to distribute gifts to everyone I know – not just any gift, but one that would be just right, demonstrating that I knew the person and what he or she would like, but I can’t. And so, when people bless me with gifts, I am extremely grateful, but also feel overwhelmed and somewhat guilty.

When it comes down to it, the Christmas Gospel can also be overwhelming. Who are we that Almighty God would come in such a humble manner? Why would the Son of God leave the glory of heaven to come also as true man born of the Virgin, knowing full well He would die as the Lamb of God to take away the guilt of our sins? And as for offering Him a gift of thanks, nothing seems good enough.

But what is it that He would like more than anything else? He doesn’t want us to focus on what we can’t do for Him, but to thankfully worship Him through His Spirit for what He has done, is doing, and will do for us. Indeed, the perfect gift of a Savior is overwhelming, for it was given in overwhelming love by One who knows us better than we know ourselves and what we truly need more than anything else. That’s a gift that keeps on giving in love each day here on earth, even as it will continue for all eternity. O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

You may wish to prepare for this weekend’s worship by reading Luke 2:1-20 and John 1:1-18