It was Christmas morning, 1962, I was 7 years old, and I was in heaven. After all, I had just received the number one item on my Christmas list- a replica of Fireball XL5, the interplanetary rocket from which Steve Zodiac, the puppet hero, protected Sector 25 of the Solar System. A strange toy for a girl, I know, and to this day I'm not sure why I wanted that rocket ship so badly. However, I'll never forget the utter joy of receiving something I had wished for. Having daughters of my own, I can only imagine what my mother was thinking as she bought if for me that Christmas, but I'm so glad she did. That quirky rocket ship said to me that I was loved.
Over the years, John and I have given many gifts to our girls. Some were practical, some were educational, and some were, like my Fireball XL5, just for fun. We've always tried to find what would best suit each child, asking ourselves what would benefit her, enrich her life, or bring her special delight. As parents, we all want to give good gifts to our children, gifts that speak of our love and care for them. "Your favorite color is green." "You like to collect hats." "Reading is your favorite pasttime." Our gifts reflect our intimate knowledge of and appreciation for each individual personality.
Now imagine how much our Heavenly Father loves giving good gifts to His children. His gifts are tangible reminders that He knows us individually. He delights in giving us things that will benefit and enrich our lives, gifts that are tailor-made for us, because He is a personal, caring Father. Surely the gift we celebrate this month, surely Jesus is proof of that!
As we celebrate this season of "good gifts," let's bask in the knowledge that each one of us is loved by the greatest Gift-Giver of all!
