Once the packages have been opened, the Christmas cards and decorations put away and the holiday meals become another wonderful memory of family and friends, most of us are left in awe of what a wonderful life we have. The pleasures and appreciation of enjoying an abundance of material possessions actually have very little to do with our real joy and blessings. Hopefully, throughout the festivities that usually include sentimental traditions, decorations, luscious meals and visiting with loved ones, we have paused to consider the true purpose of our celebrations – the birth of Christ — our only hope of our eternal salvation.

The Christmas song, “Do you hear what I hear?” has lyrics that say, “let us bring Him silver and gold.” Though the line is often interpreted as literally pertaining to the wise men, symbolically, it is about our spiritual response toward God. I often wonder how many of us have forgotten. Or maybe some have never known the true meaning of our worship and praise unto the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth. Yes, He has no problem with blessing our lives, but His real mission was to offer Himself as the perfect “gift” of eternal salvation to a hopelessly lost and dying world. Our response is to be forever thankful by devoting our life to Him.

As a community chaplain, I regularly hold services in different places. Recently, I visited with a beautiful group of physically and mentally challenged adults. As I spoke about the wise men bringing their gifts to the Christ child, I stopped and asked them, “What can we bring Jesus now?” A precious young lady enthusiastically exclaimed, “All of our love!” So sweet and child-like, and as tears welled up in my eyes I considered again, do we really understand this? Am I aware that what He wants from me more than anything, is the very thing that I do not want to let go of? Our most prized possession is not what we own, it is our will to choose how we live. Jesus does not need our gold – He wants control of our decisions. So I must ask, are we following His star and as wise men and women, are we humbly bowing before Him today in complete submission and obedience?

Whatever happens this coming year, let us be encouraged in knowing that God is in control. Faith is the opposite of fear and for heaven’s sake, we do not need more negativity! Anytime is a good time to make resolutions and positive lifestyle changes, but it will take more than just a verbal declaration. It will take a transformation of our mind and soul. Since the meaning of life is to have a personal relationship with the Lord, the greatest treasure we could ever offer Him this coming year is as the precious young lady replied, “All of our love.”

  Dr. Holland lives in central Kentucky with his wife Cheryl, where he is a Christian author, outreach minister and community chaplain. To learn more visit: billyhollandministries.com