1 JOHN 2:15-17: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” NKJV

OBSERVATION: All I want for Christmas is _______________________. What do you want for Christmas? What does this season mean to you? Where is your time focused during this busy time of the year? Are you spending time reflecting upon the meaning of the season, or are you rushing from here to there to find the perfect gift or attend the next event?

As a small child, I would wait with anticipation for the delivery of the Sears Christmas Catalog. It was something that every child longed to receive. In its pages were all the latest toys, bicycles, and gadgets that every child wanted. I would spend time poring over its pages, dog-earing the pages that contained the treasures I was hoping for.

Like Ralphie in the Christmas Story, I would leave subtle hints for my parents, as I knew they had a direct line to Santa. Throughout the days leading up to Christmas, my list would change, and I would make sure to communicate these changes. Oh, how I longed to have the joy and excitement that the children in the catalog were having as I ran to see what was under the tree on Christmas!

Yet, something strange would happen in the days and weeks following Christmas. The shiny treasures that I longed for only brought a temporary sense of joy and excitement. Some of these treasures lost their interest in just a few short days. Others survived for a few weeks or months. Yet, none of them survived until the next Christmas. When November of the next year came around, I was ready to dive into the new edition of the Sears Catalog, having forgotten all the treasures I desired from the previous Christmas.

Sadly, many live their adult lives like children. They seek fulfillment from the things they achieve or possess. Yet, like a small child, once they have them, they find that their ability to provide joy and fulfillment is lacking. You cannot fill the empty hole in a hungry heart with anything that is passing away. This is why the Apostle John writes so emphatically.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

To set our affections on the things of this life is foolish in many ways. First, it will never fill the spiritual needs in our lives. You cannot fill the need for life, joy, peace, and love with something made of wood, hay, or stubble. Second, you will become what you set your affection on. If you place your love and affection on things, you will become like them. If you place your affection and love upon God, you will become like Him!

Second, John reminds us.

“For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

To this day, I do not have one item that I longed for from that Sears Catalog. All the toys, sporting equipment, bicycles, games, and the like have long since been thrown away. There is nothing in this life that will not be thrown into the garbage one day. Nothing is eternal except the heart and soul of man. It is only what we cultivate in our hearts and in the hearts of others that will have any eternal value.

Just the other day, I received a BJs Christmas Catalog in the mail. For a brief moment, as I paged through its bright pictures, I was 10 years old again. The toys had changed, but the look of joy and amazement in the children on the catalog pages gave the same promise of lasting euphoria that I had hoped for as a child.

Yet, this Christmas, as I pore over the pages of God’s Word, I find that which is truly lasting. It is the promises of God and the hope of eternal life that are the greatest gifts one could receive this Christmas. Jesus is God’s gift for Christmas and the life He gives to all who will believe.

While I may still take a peek at the catalogs each Christmas, I think I will stick with Jesus and the eternal promises of God’s Word!

“…Because “All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the Lord endures forever.” Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.” I Peter 1:24-25 NKJV

In Jesus’ Name!