Tell me the story

Gather 'round, ye children, come
Listen to the old, old story
Of the power of death undone
By an infant born of glory


We tell a lot of stories at this time of year: there is the story about a stingy old curmudgeon who has a change of heart after being visited by spirits in the night; the one about a little boy, his BB-gun, and let's not forget the leg lamp; and of course the classic tale of a man in a red suit who delivers presents around the world with the help of flying reindeer. These stories warm our hearts and stir up nostalgic memories. But they aren't the stories that really matter. There is just one that does.

Make sure you take some time in the next few days to get out of the shopping rush, set aside the wrapping paper, turn down the Christmas music, and read or listen to the story once again. Hear it anew this year - not as just another familiar tale no different from the ones mentioned above - but as a magnificent, heart-wrenching, and humbling story written by the author and perfecter of our faith. Let it get your attention and utterly captivate you. Then tell the story to someone else - that is the only gift that truly matters.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

NOTE: The lyrics above are from Andrew Peterson's "Behold the Lamb of God", one of the best ways I know to hear the old, old story again and anew.