“And this will be a sign for you [by which you will recognize Him]: you will find [after searching] a Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.
“..the shepherds said one to another, Let us go…and see this thing (saying) that has come to pass… So they went with haste and [by searching] found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in a manger” —Luke 2:12-15, Amplified)
The countdown of shopping days before December 25 officially began the day after Thanksgiving. Even before Thanksgiving retailers stocked up on hundreds of items and gift ideas, from the smallest to the largest, to send customers into a whirlwind of spending. As the countdown nears, the hustle and bustle increases; shoppers become rude, frustrated, and frantic in their search to find just the right gift. This is expected to be one of the most profitable times of the year for retailers!
However, for many people (believers and nonbelievers) it becomes one of the most stressful times of the year. The greatest stressor of this season is financial. Either a lack of money, or a lack of discipline in spending overwhelms many. Some become depressed, discouraged and even express disdain for what should be a joyous time of celebrating the birth of Jesus the Christ.
The fact that people are diligently searching during this Christmas season can be paralleled to the story recorded in Luke 2:1-20.
“And this will be a sign for you [by which you will recognize Him]: you will find [after searching] a Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.
“..the shepherds said one to another, Let us go…and see this thing (saying) that has come to pass… So they went with haste and [by searching] found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12-15, Amplified).
A “search factor,” which all human beings possess, from newborn to adulthood, is operating at maximum level in children and adults during this time of the year. While children are searching for toys, games and gadgets to fulfill their self-seeking desires, adults are searching for the toys, games and gadgets to satisfy their children’s desires. Of course, in addition to the other gifts they feel obligated to purchase for others on the gift-giving list.
The search to find fulfillment and satisfaction oftentimes determines one’s perspective on the quality of life. Unfortunately, during this season the search for fulfillment and satisfaction in things peak, and proves to be devastating for many. Consequently, if the things aren’t received or obtained, the search intensifies long after the holiday season, and sometimes become a life-long search. You probably know someone still traumatized because they didn’t get what they wanted for Christmas as a child. (I pray it is not you). In addition to already suppressed feelings, emotional instability, lack of discipline, self-control, and the ability to make sound decisions, the search becomes even more frustrating. Although searching can be beneficial, it is what many are searching for that has commercialized Christmas, and downplayed the reason for the season.
In essence, this time of searching should be for the Christ of Christmas— The One who is Savior of the world, the Gift of God to everyone. However, man must diligently search for Christ until he finds Him. And if anyone searches for Him, He shall be found.
Instead, many are searching for “things.” Things may be costly in dollar value, but they can add no real lasting value to our personal life. Many people are searching for the perfect gift that will express the depth of their love; however, no material object can substitute for the love of God. No thing can soothe the pain from a broken heart. Material items cannot comfort the grief-stricken who lost a loved one, and will be facing the holiday season for the first time without that special person. No tangible gift can speak peace to a troubled mind battling with the storms and challenges that life can bring. Only receiving the Gift of God can end the search to find fulfillment and satisfaction in things and people.
So, does this mean we should not give gifts? God forbid! Give gifts! 
Give nice gifts within your budget—small or large— as symbolic expressions of love and reverence of Christ. However, keep in mind, things should not be the priority and focus of our “search”. Things can never be a substitute for the gift of God through Christ the Messiah. Only the good news about Jesus the Christ can bring salvation, hope, joy, peace, and good will to all men as planned by God when He sent the shepherds on a search for the Christ over 2000 years ago.
The innate need to search is within us; placed there by Him to search for Him. Therefore, only when the Christ is found will the search end. Moreover, He is still waiting to be found by those who will seek after Him. Searching for the CHRIST of CHRISTmas and finding Him is sure to bring the joy, peace, hope and love that this world needs.
Finally, when Christ is found, like the shepherds, it will result in genuine praise and worship to God for this extraordinary experience. It is after this kind of experience that you can then give the perfect gift—present Christ to someone else.
I pray that your search for the perfect gift is found in the Perfect One—CHRIST the Lord!
Copyright 2005 Queen E. F. Phillips. All rights reserved. NOT-FOR-PROFIT use only requires prior written permission from the author. Credit must be given to copyright owner. Reprinted
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The year it really hit me that every minute you have the opportunity to spend time with someone that means the world to you, you’d better seize the opportunity. It was December 17, 2003 that the last chapter of life spent with my mother, Mr. Deva Mae Franks Horn, ended. My mom’s will to live could no longer stand up to the overpowering cancerous cells that finally invaded her organs, took control and left her physical body too weak to fight. Immediately I knew this would be the last opportunity to spend time with her before she transitioned to that place of eternal rest. She fought the good fight of faith. She’d outlived her prognosis, and she touched the lives of many who admired her dearly.
