PSALMS 51:15-17: “O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise.”

OBSERVATION: As I write these thoughts there are only 7 days until Christmas. There are those who have already finished all of their Christmas preparations. Yet, there are many more (including me) that still have quite a few things on their list to do before this wonderful celebration. One of the hardest things to do is find a gift for someone that has everything. Have you ever thought of this – “What should I give God for Christmas?”

This is the question that came to my heart as I read these verses this morning. What do you give the One who created all things? What do you give the One who owns the cattle on a thousand hills? What do you give the One who holds the stars in His hand? David was faced with this question as he came to the Lord humbly in repentance following his failure with Bathsheba, and the death of Uriah. What could he give the Lord as an expression of his repentance. Should he sacrifice 1000 lambs? Should he give gifts of gold and silver to the Tabernacle treasury? What should he offer to the Lord?

The Lord truly desires only “one thing”. This is the “one thing” He has created, but He does not possess unless it is freely given. This “one thing” is our heart. A broken and and contrite heart is the only gift that the Lord desires. A heart that recognizes its’ sin, recognizes its’ need for a Savior, and humbly offers itself freely and completely to the One who created it. This is a heart of surrender and a heart that is now prepared to receive the Grace of God and respond in worship and praise. This is the heart the Lord desires and will not turn away or despise!

So this Christmas, as we are rushing around to get those last few ingredients, those last few presents, have you remembered the Lord on your gift list? Have you humbled your heart? Have you positioned yourself in true repentance? Have you come to Him in full surrender? Have you offered to Him the sacrifice of worship and praise?

Lord, this morning I come to give you my heart. I bring it freely and completely. I know my lack and my sin and my need for a Savior. Come and create in me a clean heart, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. This Christmas season, and each day, restore unto me the joy of Your salvation. Fill me and uphold me with your generous Spirit! Lord, receive the gift of my heart I pray – In Jesus Name!