The Secret…

(written originally Christmas 2009 – but its one of my favorites – and I thought I’d share it with you today.)

It was a secret. A mega size secret – far too huge for a 4 year old to keep. My mom had wrapped a Christmas gift for me to take to my pre-school teacher, Mrs. Palmer. It was a beautiful, decorative bar of fancy soap. I was so excited I could hardly stand it.

Not long before, it had been my parents’ anniversary. My dad had purchased a very special gift for my mom in honor of the occasion. I begged and begged to know what was in the tiny package. He finally gave in, against his better judgement, and shared his secret with me – earrings. With this information I was bursting at the seams. The next time I was in the same room with my mom, within seconds I had spilled the beans. Guess what mom? Its earrings!

And so, as we approached the preschool room my dad rehearsed with me, “Now remember Dee-Dee (shhhh! don’t tell anyone that was my nick name way back then), we don’t tell Mrs. Palmer what the gift is. Right? It’s a secret!” As a preschooler, I had great intentions of going along with the plan. But as I said – I was excited. So, as Mrs. Palmer welcomed me into the room I said, “ Here Palmer! (all the children called her by her last name) Its soap!” Out the secret tumbled!

My family members, especially my dad, still tease me about this episode, even to this day. Especially at Christmas, we rehearse the story and have a good laugh. I still have a terrible time at keeping secrets. If you ask me what you’re getting from me for Christmas, I’ll probably tell you!

Our heavenly Father had the same problem, you know. I was thinking about the birth of Christ this morning. Long before the time, God had sent messengers to spread the word that the Messiah was coming. But, no one knew the exact day or hour. On that night when Christ actually came to earth, born to the virgin Mary, it had been a big secret.

God in His great love for us, had sent his son to be the Savior of the world. How exciting this must have been – the biggest gift ever known on earth and it was His to give. No wonder He sent out his angels singing and dancing in a glorious, splendid show! This is my gift to all! – “Peace on earth Good will to men – the Messiah has arrived! Hallelujah!” I can totally relate to this need to share the good news!

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

As I think about this story and my own life I realize, it‘s no longer a secret, but still it is worth sharing. The birth of Christ is something that I should want to share, just like I’m 4, bursting at the seams all over again. What better gift could I give to friends and loved ones who do not know the story?

Thank you my heavenly Father for the incredible gift of your son! I’m so glad you didn’t keep it a secret! Help me to do the same! Amen.

md