University United Methodist Church

“Faking It”  

How good are you at faking it?   

You know, when you open the box, filled with expectations of what might be inside…only to discover…dishtowels?  Socks?  A mug with a picture of a pokemon on it?  I think it’s incredibly hard to fake enthusiasm for something I’m just not that enthusiastic about. 

I can manage the initial, “Oh wow!  Thank you!” But then, I struggle.  How am I supposed to be fawning over this sweater that looks like it belonged on the Cosby show?  Or another Monopoly game to join the two I’ve already got gathering dust at home?”   

So I fake it.  What else are you gonna do?  And then I end up feeling guilty for not liking the gift more than I do.   See, the thing is, I love the giver…I’m just not that fond of the gift. 

The same thing can happen with your REAL Christmas gift.   God says, “Here, open this!”   And what do you know…it’s Jesus! 

“Oh wow!  Thank you!”, comes blurting out of your mouth automatically, but then what?  You really are grateful that God remembered you this Christmas…  But what are you supposed to do with Jesus?  Several thoughts may run through your head, like: 

“Isn’t Jesus out of style?”
or
“Doesn’t Jesus require a lot of time and effort?”
or
“Aren’t I a little old for Jesus?  Isn’t that more for kids?”
or
“Aren’t I a little young for Jesus?  Isn’t Jesus for grown ups?
or
“Isn’t Jesus really an old hand-me-down from a more innocent time?”
orÂ
“Would my friends laugh if I showed them that I got Jesus for Christmas?”
or
“Does Jesus fit me?  Is Jesus my size?”
or
“Is Jesus too practical?  Too impractical?”
or
“Will I end up putting Jesus up on a shelf and never looking at him again?”
or…

My advice?   If you feel any of those things, don’t try to cover up by faking it.  I guarantee God will know.   In fact, that’s the thing about Christmas.  God KNOWS you.   God knows exactly what you need for Christmas this year.   Jesus is the perfect fit, the perfect match, the perfect gift for you and your life, right here and now.   You may not know that, yet…but it’s true.    

So be patient,  take a good long look at the Christ child.  He is given for you–a life-changing gift that truly does keep on giving.   Even if you don’t know it yet, you’re getting the best gift you’ve ever gotten this year.   

There’s no need to fake anything you’re not feeling, but I can assure you of this.  The more time you spend with your Christmas Gift… 

 The more you’ll appreciate it.

  

Have a Merry Christmas!

 Mitch