The Only Gift That Satisfies

By Greg Sanders

This year, people will spend an average $882 to give gifts to one another. Some of you are right now figuring up if you are above or below average on your spending. Now giving gifts is a good thing. It is good for the economy. It is good to let people know you care. It is even good to give yourself permission to go buy yourself something. But honestly many of the gifts that are given this year will either be out of fashion or broken by next year. They are good they just don’t last.

Luke 2:28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation

Nothing that this earth can afford and nothing your friends and family can purchase for you satisfies like Jesus. It is so easy to get fixated on things that bring pleasure instead of the things that bring lasting joy.

When Simeon looked into the eyes of Jesus, he discovered satisfaction. He found something better than any other Christmas gift that had ever been given. St. Augustine has been credited with saying, “There is a God shaped void in all of us that only He can fill.” That is exactly what Simeon found when he looked at Jesus. Simeon found that one look of Jesus filled the void that no amounts of material gain or human applause could fill.

There is a message here about finding real satisfaction in life.
 Real satisfaction does not come by what you gain or what you accomplish; it comes from looking into the face of Jesus. Simeon discovered peace that he had been longing for, joy he had been dreaming of, and hope that was eternal.

Today’s Challenge: In the middle of all your feast, family gatherings, and festivities, remember that only when we focus on Jesus do we find the real gifts that satisfy. Take time today and give Him thanks for His salvation that this season celebrates. Take time to give Him thanks for He alone provides real satisfaction.

Blessings,

Greg