Ask any child that question, and you will get a long list of things they think they can’t live without. When my sons were growing up, they anxiously waited for the Sears & Roebuck Christmas Catalog, pored over each and every page, and circled their wishes. As they grew, their lists became shorter but more expensive!

I remember wanting ice skates as a child. I imagined myself whirling and twirling and floating on ice with fairy-like grace. But when I received those skates, I fell flat on the ice – every time. No matter how I tried, I could not balance on those thin metal blades. To this day, I have never mastered them. You will never see me glide gracefully across the ice. I will be the one gripping the railing bordering the rink or sitting on the side sipping a cup of hot chocolate while I admire the whirls, twists, and turns of others on the ice.

One Christmas gift I recall with far greater pleasure was a pink diary with a tiny gold lock and key, the perfect place to secure all my thoughts and secrets. No one was to know those precious written entries unless I invited them to read my words – and then they were sworn to secrecy.

That pink journal propelled me toward a lifetime of reflection, realization, and recording of dreams and innermost emotions. Journaling has been part of my life ever since. Writing has helped me clarify my past and plan what my next steps in life might be.

In contrast, today, everyone posts their most intimate private thoughts, embarrassing moments, and photos on social media – for all the world to see! And then they get disappointed, even aggravated, if their posts aren’t shared, liked, or followed! My how times have changed…and I’m not at all convinced it’s for the best.

Searching for that perfect gift to give at Christmas, eagerly anticipating the joy as you watch your loved ones pulling the wrapping paper off, their faces lighting up, sets us in pursuit of that very special gift for that very special someone.

So…let me ask you: What would you like for Christmas? What do you need for Christmas? I know a gift delivered to the world centuries ago in a manger in the city of David, Bethlehem of Judea. The prophet Isaiah announces that birth hundreds of years beforehand; “for a child is born to us, a son is given to us…And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NLT).

Through Christ, we find hope, peace, and purpose. What have you done with this perfect gift from God? I hope you and I both say we accept Him – and the giver – wholeheartedly. And let us thank God for this perfect gift: His Son. Just imagine thousands of years before we even appeared on earth – God set in motion a plan designed with you and me in mind!

Now that I’m all grown up, I find Amy Grant sings my wish for you beautifully in Grownup Christmas List. I invite you to snuggle into your most comfortable chair and give yourself the gift of time, listening and reflecting on that perfect gift we all desperately needed and continue to need – Jesus Christ.

Click on the photo or HERE to listen to the song.