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I stood on the upper deck of a mall recently and watched the people on the lower level walk feverishly from one store to another. Some were carrying bags, some were carrying cups of coffee, and others looked as if they were deep in thought – probably looking for that perfect Christmas gift.

I remember a few years ago speaking to someone who was hoping for a perfect Christmas. I asked, “What would that look like for you?”  Is there such a thing as a Perfect Christmas?? Everyone is bombarded with advertisements showing impossibly perfect people, buying the perfect gifts, and preparing the perfect party or being with the perfect family.

I once heard a pastor speak these words, “We take all the joy out of the holidays by trying to make them perfect.”

Everyone has expectations for this season such as the perfect gift to give someone you love, the perfect gift to receive, the perfect meal prepared, the perfect weather, just enough snow to enjoy some outdoor activity at just the right temperature, the perfect family dinner, with everyone enjoying the meal and having good conversation…. The list could go on.

The reality is, we don’t live in a perfect world. We are not perfect people… but we have been given a perfect gift, the gift of God’s son that came allowing us to experience the gift of salvation.

I don’t know what your expectations are this Christmas. Are you expecting everything to be perfect? What would make this season perfect for you?

I read a verse the other morning that sums up my hope for this season and the year to come.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV

Take some time today, and look for way that you can make this a memorable Christmas. It may not be perfect as the advertisers will depict, but there will be those opportunities to share the love of Christ and the spirit of Christmas with others who may not understand the perfect joy and the perfect peace that we have in our lives because of the gift that was given to us in the person of Jesus Christ.

Click on the present below to watch a movie, “The Best Christmas Present Ever”.

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