One of the things I have always had a hard time with was answering the question, “What do you want for Christmas?” I never know how to best answer that question. However, this year I think I know the answer. This past week I stumbled upon an old hymn written in the late 1700’s by a man named William Hammond titled “Christ, or Else I Die”. The simple words of this hymn have really blessed my heart. In the second verse of the hymn Hammond penned these words, “Wealth and honor I disdain, Earthly comforts, Lord are vain; These can never satisfy: Give me Christ, or else I die.”
As we come upon the Christmas season I encourage you to take time to meditate on the greatest of all gifts that God has given to the world. What an amazing truth and an amazing gift that God would send his eternal Son, Jesus the Christ, to the world. It was Jesus who would live the perfect life that we could not live. It was Jesus who for the joy set before him endured the cross and died the death we could not die, taking the punishment we deserved. It was Jesus who rose from the dead three days later, declaring his victory over sin and death. It was through Jesus that those who by faith turn and trust in him will be given the gift of eternal life in the presence of God.
As you think about all of the deep truths of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ and all that it implies, what else could you ever ask for in this life? What earthly gift could ever bring you joy or satisfaction? All this life has to offer is leading to a dead end. If we were left with only the treasures of this world, life would not be worth living. This Christmas does your heart beat for Christ? This Christmas is Christ your heart’s desire? Would you rather die than live a life without him? Is Christ the only thing on your Christmas list? For you to truly have a Merry Christmas, there can be no other gift that can satisfy but Jesus.
I pray that your heart this Christmas only beats for Christ and that without him you would die.