In preschool my son made a magnetic clothespin with an apple attached to the front. It was meant to display his work on the refrigerator. On the front of it was printed, "Lincoln's work is good enough to eat!"
One day my college-age brother came over and happened to notice it hanging there. He said, I want one of these that says "John's work is good enough!" (Quite the comedian.)
Wouldn't we all like to be told at the end of the day that our work is "good enough". Very few people, if any, would feel that way about themselves every day. Some of us could name people we think would fit the description of being good enough in our eyes and even in God's eyes. Certain missionaries and ministers come to mind.
But the truth is none of us is "good enough"! That's why God sent us someone who was -- His son Jesus. He was goodness itself, perfect, blameless -- something none of us can claim.
When called "Good teacher" by a ruler, Jesus even asked "Why do you call me good?" He then continued, "No one is good -- except God alone."
There are many things about us which are good. We can do much good when we work with a godly purpose, but our works and our faith are not "good enough". We need the perfection of Jesus Christ.
Let's celebrate His birth this year not as cute baby who fulfilled prophesies and caused angels to serenade shepherds and learned men to bow before a lowly child. Let's celebrate the only gift that is "good enough" -- the gift God gave of himself to allow us a relationship with Him, even though we can never be "good enough"!
Jesus said in John 10:10 " . . . I have come that they may have life and have it to the full."
Last week in a class at church my son made a felt Christmas stocking. He also brought home a letter that each day he was to write down a gift God has provided for him this year and put it in the stocking. On Christmas morning we will then read them and praise God for the really important gifts we have.
Take 10 minutes on Christmas morning to unwrap the gifts without bows and ribbons, the gifts God has given you this year and the gift of His son that he gave once, for all!