I Remember

article by PAUL LIPE
opinion expressed is that of the writer

I REMEMBER some of the Christmas gifts that I have received over the years, but for the most part I could not tell you about most of them -my memory is just not that good. I suspect that many, if not most of us, are guilty of the same problem – we remember some gifts but have forgotten most of them.

What is it that makes some gifts memorable while others pass into forgetfulness? Why can we recall one gift but cannot bring to mind others? Several reasons come to mind; perhaps you can add to the list.

For the more fortunate of us, maybe our parents thought that we needed transportation so they bought us a car! This does not apply to the majority of us, but anyone who got an automobile surely can remember receiving such a gift.(My Dad could not afford to buy me a car, but he did offer me the use of the family auto should I ever manage to get a date!)

Another reason we might remember a gift is the cost of the gift. I suppose the most expensive Christmas gift I ever purchased was my wife’s engagement ring. It was costly but was worth every dollar!

Who the donor is also plays a part in our ability to recall a gift. If the gift is from someone we dearly love and who genuinely loves us, that could make the gift worth remembering.

Though special and appreciated, some gifts are not as long-lasting as others – such as a meal at a first-class restaurant.

There are gifts that are useful over a long period of time. One Christmas my spouse gave a set of tools. My appreciation of that gift would have blossomed if I had any ability to utilize those tools!

Gifts that relieve our worry and anxiety (this usually comes in the form of money) can be remembered.

The greatest gift is the one that gives CHRISTmas its name. And He is the one gift that we should never forget because He matches each of above reasons for remembering. He is needed by us all; we can do nothing without Him. He loves us with the greatest of loves. He paid the ultimate cost by giving His life for our sins, opening the gates of heaven and eternal life for those who by faith receive Him. He never leaves us but is our ever-present Lord. In His presence is help (grace) for every need we have. Because of this awesome, costly gift we can say with the Apostle Paul, “I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength.”

If you have never received this gift, make this your best Christmas by receiving the Gift that you will never forget!