“On a piece of paper, write down what Jesus means to you. Tell me all about your faith and your relationship with God. Tell me everything.”
I have decided what I want for Christmas this year. My family says I am difficult to shop for. What do you get someone who "needs" nothing and seldom discusses what he wants? Gizmos seldom catch my attention anymore and, much to my family's fashion dismay, I am happy with the clothes I have. As much as I appreciate the sentiment, I am asking them not to buy me that big screen, high definition, 60-inch digital television set.
This year, my family and friends can forgo the angst I have unintentionally put them through for many years. Don't be misled. What I want is more precious than imaginable, yet will not strain their financial resources.
Here is what I want. Take the money that you may have spent and give it to a homeless shelter or someone in need. Wait, you aren't finished. On a piece of paper, write down what Jesus means to you. Tell me all about your faith and your relationship with God. Tell me everything. I will place this document in my Forever Box and cherish it for the rest of my life. You can opt to type your profession of faith on the computer and print it, but a hand-written document is preferred.
So many times we overlook important things in life. More than silver, gold or shiny new cufflinks, I want to know that my family and friends know the Lord. I want to hear it in their own words. If time should ever dull my memory, I promise to periodically retrieve this Christmas document, read it and remind myself of the greatest blessing a father, brother, uncle or friend could ever know.
How about you? Don't you think this would make an awesome Christmas gift? If you'd like to have one just like it, tell your family and friends before they go out and buy something.
God gave us the greatest gift of all. It is important to know that others have received His gift.
Rod Ellis is the brains and the brawn behind Gentle Ministries where Graceland finds its comfy home on the web. I doubt very much that Graceland would be around without Rod's generosity and help.