[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner parallax_bg_width=”110″ parallax_speed=”normal” bg_type=”theme_default” bg_grad=”background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, left bottom, color-stop(0%, #FBFBFB), color-stop(50%, #E3E3E3), color-stop(100%, #C2C2C2));background: -moz-linear-gradient(top,#FBFBFB 0%,#E3E3E3 50%,#C2C2C2 100%);background: -webkit-linear-gradient(top,#FBFBFB 0%,#E3E3E3 50%,#C2C2C2 100%);background: -o-linear-gradient(top,#FBFBFB 0%,#E3E3E3 50%,#C2C2C2 100%);background: -ms-linear-gradient(top,#FBFBFB 0%,#E3E3E3 50%,#C2C2C2 100%);background: linear-gradient(top,#FBFBFB 0%,#E3E3E3 50%,#C2C2C2 100%);” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_image_size=”cover” bg_img_attach=”fixed” parallax_sense=”30″ viewport_vdo=”viewport_play” enable_controls=”display_control” bg_override=”0″ class=”advent” el_id=”adventHeader”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][us_image image=”8122″ animate=”afb” animate_delay=”0.2″ size=”medium” link=””][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Advent Devotional” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:65|text_align:center|color:%23efefef” google_fonts=”font_family:Condiment%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” el_class=”adventTitle”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner parallax_bg_width=”110″ parallax_speed=”normal” bg_type=”theme_default” bg_grad=”background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, left bottom, color-stop(0%, #FBFBFB), color-stop(50%, #E3E3E3), color-stop(100%, #C2C2C2));background: -moz-linear-gradient(top,#FBFBFB 0%,#E3E3E3 50%,#C2C2C2 100%);background: -webkit-linear-gradient(top,#FBFBFB 0%,#E3E3E3 50%,#C2C2C2 100%);background: -o-linear-gradient(top,#FBFBFB 0%,#E3E3E3 50%,#C2C2C2 100%);background: -ms-linear-gradient(top,#FBFBFB 0%,#E3E3E3 50%,#C2C2C2 100%);background: linear-gradient(top,#FBFBFB 0%,#E3E3E3 50%,#C2C2C2 100%);” bg_color_value=”#eaeaea” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_image_size=”cover” bg_img_attach=”scroll” parallax_sense=”30″ viewport_vdo=”viewport_play” enable_controls=”display_control” bg_override=”0″ background=”primary”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][us_image image=”8256″ size=”full” link=””][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]

The Perfect Gift

by Kelly Paulson

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“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” – Matthew 13:44

One of the greatest things about the holiday season is giving that perfect gift to someone that you love.  My sister lives in Panama City, Panama and married a man from there.  A few years ago they were married, and our good friends took pictures at the wedding.  I spent hours creating a wedding album for them with the pictures and gave it to them last Christmas.  It was one of the greatest feelings to show my love for them through this gift.  I had given them a gift that no one else could give them; a gift that they valued and a gift that brought them a great amount of joy.

Every year God gives us that perfect gift, his son. While it is easy to get caught up in all of the stocking stuffers and gifts, He wants us to focus on His gift this year.  He wants to see our joy as we open the most valuable gift that has ever been given. It is a gift that no one else could give us.  It is a gift that should floor us every time we open it.  It is the only gift that we will ever really need, and the most important gift that we can share with others.

God has spent so lavishly on this gift, let’s follow Him in spending our time and money on the gifts that have true value.  The gift of God’s son is like the treasure in the field, and we should give all we have for that field.  As we spend this holiday season, think about spending less on the trivial things and more on what will last forever. The best part about giving someone that perfect gift is watching them open it.  Show God your joy as you open up the gift of His son once again this year.

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