The Angel and the Elf

One day and angel happened upon a little elf who had a tendency to cause mischief everywhere he went. The little elf was talking to the angel and he was so excited that Christmas was coming soon. He had been busy at work helping make the toys, but Santa soon realized that he was an excitable little fellow and had a reputation of hopping from job to job, wanting to work on everything and just getting a little too excitement about the upcoming "big night." 

So Santa let the little elf head into the real world. He was telling the angel about all the wonderful things that Santa had planned for the good girls and boys on Christmas eve. He went on and on about toys and candy canes and stocking filled with goodies. Finally, the angel asked him why he thought Christmas was so special. 

The little elf quickly replied because you get presents. The angel sadly shook her head and told the little elf that Christmas is so much more about getting presents.It's about mercy and grace and peace and joy. It's about a love so great that God sent His one and only Son to be born in a lowly manger. He sent that tiny little baby into this world of sin and hatred so that the tiny little baby could grow up and tell about the love and works of God. 

God did all this knowing that one day that baby would die a violent death to save the very people who mocked Him and hurt him. But that baby did it all with great gladness, because He knew the plans God had for our lives. 

See little elf. While you are busy planning your fun and thinking about the presents you will get, God sits on his throne and remembers the night that His precious heavenly son became earthly. He remembers with fondness the sweet mother and father that watched over that precious gift and guarded it and raised it and guided it through childhood until that little tiny baby was ready to return to the throne of God where He belonged.

So enjoy your presents little elf. Enjoy the hustle and the bustle, the lights and the tinsel. For their truly is a reason to be celebrating the Christmas season. Just don't let go of what that real reason is for the celebrations that abound.