And then...

After all the gifts have been opened under the tree, after all the wrapping paper, boxes and bows that quickly filtered out the house as excited hands and racing hearts ripped through each present has been cleaned up, as laughter filled the rooftops of various homes and establishments, as mouths chowed down on some good ole loving eats and treats, bellies as big as a tub were rubbed, after all the Christmas movies were seen and the kids piled in the car to see the lights of which the adults were secretly more excited than the kiddos...sssshhhh, after all the hugs and shrugs were delivered to family, friends and even some foes, after the family spats and quick make-ups, after all these things are done and more on December 25 what's next?

Can I, or may I, introduce to some and remind others that there is still a present left, crafted just for you. Yes you! This is not any gift that can be perfectly placed in a box; this particular gift is larger than shiny wrapping paper and gorgeous shiny bows, this gift is Christ, Himself! It's not a cliche; it's a well-known fact to me and many others. Do you want this gift because He definitely wants you?

Imagine that a gift wants you!

This is not an inanimate object; it is? He is your creator and mine. You were made for Him, and He wants you to have access to what He created you for. The gift of Christ is a gift more than your furthest imagination can ever humanly take you. How do I know He wants you and me? Well, let's look at the very famous book (the bible) that He authored (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

There are many scriptures that state how much He loves us, but this particular one has me on edge, and you can read it with me.

Ephesians 3:17-19 put in particular verse 18...listen or read to these words intently "and may you have the power to understand, as all of God's people should, how wide, how long, how high and how deep His love is..."

So come with me, those who are new to this love of a lifetime, come with me, those who are experienced in this love, come with me, who forgot about this love, come with me, one and all, to this magnificent love like no other. Oh, no worries, cutie pie, no need to apply. He will take you just as you are; human experience is not necessary. Remember these words I speak from my lips and from my heart. He created you. He wants you. You are here to glorify Him. Okay, now that you have been familiarized a bit about an extraordinary love tailor-made just for you...look in a mirror, trust mirrors are everywhere (look at the camera in your phone).

Look into that adorable person on the other side of that mirror and repeat these words slowly (don't forget to insert your name)

Erikah, may you have the power to understand how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. Erikah, may you experience Christ's love even though you don't fully understand it. Erikah, you don't have to understand how it works to accept it. (vs. 18-19).

Not to rush us, but let's wrap up with these final thoughts:

God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit's love is beyond measure. The absolute best part is you don't have to be pretty enough, smart enough, talented enough, big enough, small enough, bold enough, kind enough, mean enough, or whatever enough you can think of. Please mimic my words: you are ENOUGH for His love, and you ALWAYS have been. Now all you have to do is accept it.

I am living in, on, and for purpose, are you?