At our house, Christmas is our favorite time of year. We love to decorate the house, listen to Christmas music, make praline candy, and give gifts to others. We usually rack our brains to figure our what would be the “perfect gift” for our special loved ones.
Once the decision is made about what the gift will be, then the race begins to find, or make, that special item that says, “I love you.”
I Saw The Need
Several years ago, I was frustrated because I couldn’t think of anything to get Jesse for Christmas. Then I remembered that as soon as he came home, he always changed into a t-shirt and his old flannel pajama bottoms that he cut into shorts. He was a pitiful sight!
Although the elastic was stretched out, the edges on the legs were reveling and faded beyond a recognizable color. I didn’t have the heart to throw them out. I saw his need!
I carefully selected fabric that I thought he would like and used his old pair as a pattern so they would fit the same way. Secretly, I sewed four different “relaxing shorts” wrapped them and placed what I considered to be the “perfect gift” for Jesse under our Christmas tree.
I will never forget the grateful look on his face as he opened his gift. He immediately put them on and threw out the old, worn out pair. Now, he wouldn’t think of packing without them. He needs them to relax after a long day. It is so heartwarming to give a gift that is appreciated.
God Saw Our Need
Almost 2,000 years ago, God saw our need and sent His Son to the earth. Born of a virgin, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a humble manger, Jesus was God’s “Perfect Gift” to a lost and dying world.
However, God’s gift was not appreciated, and Jesus was rejected by mankind. They laughed and mocked Him as they led Him up Golgotha’s Hill to be crucified like a common criminal.
Many people don’t realize that this precious gift of God is still available to them. But Jesus told them,
If thou knew the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou would have asked of Him, and He would have given three living water.
(John 4:10)
My most cherished photo of Jesse was taken several years ago while we exchanged Christmas gifts. He was smiling from ear to ear and his eyes sparkled with joy as he watched me open what he knew would be the “perfect gift” for his wife.
I believe that same look must be on the Father’s face when someone receives and appreciates His “Perfect Gift,” Jesus Christ.
Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents.
(Luke 15:10)
God is knocking at the door of your heart, ready and willing to give His gift to you. Open your heart to Him today and receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Give those angels another opportunity to rejoice!
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Reverend Cathy Duplantis is an anointed teacher of the Gospel dedicated to living by faith and inspiring others to do the same. Cathy is the wife of Evangelist Jesse Duplantis. She has worked continually with her husband in ministry since it began in 1978, serving as Administrator, Editor in Chief of Voice of the Covenant magazine, and television co-host.
Cathy uses her life experiences and divine revelations to encourage and inspire her audience and is a favorite guest speaker for women's conferences and church meetings. She also continues to preach the Gospel with Jesse in meetings throughout the USA.
Along with her husband, Cathy is the co-founder of Covenant Church, a local outreach of JDM in the greater New Orleans area. It was her vision to build a church where people would be encouraged to realize their potential in Christ Jesus, to be able to overcome life's circumstances and to experience success spiritually, emotionally, and physically. In the summer of 2017, Cathy obeyed God and stepped into the Senior Pastor position of Covenant Church. Now, not only is she sharing the Gospel through her local church, but she is continuing to spread the love of Jesus around the world. Cathy desires to show believers everywhere how they can be transformed into powerful and joyful people of faith by applying the teachings found in God's Word.
