My colleague stopped by my office last Thursday to chat a little bit. In the end of our conversation, he sighed how fast time has gone – only two more weeks Christmas is coming. I replied to him, “Yes, it is truly flying!”
December is always a month of fast and busy month for my family. In order to be ready for the coming winter, we winterize house and cars, put lawn mower back to storage and refreshed snow shoveling equipment, etc., especially after saw the 8-foot of snow in Buffalo, we felt that we cannot take the preparation lightly. Besides, as Christmas and New Year are around the corner, preparing for church Christmas and New Year celebrations are also part of our busy schedule.

Apart from busying in all kinds of preparations, I do think December is particularly meaningful. I call it a month of blessing – it is the time of year that we celebrate our Lord Jesus’ birth to this world to take away our sin and it is also the time of year to enjoy family reunions and holiday relaxation when kids are off their schools.Thinking about “blessing”, I couldn’t help but to recall many blessings that I have received after 11+ months. To name a few: I am still alive and well; I am having a loving family; I am still being employed; I still have a place to stay; I have a bunch of friends who love me; I have a good and caring church to worship, etc. Aren’t they worthy of my remembering and appreciation? Sure, they are!

Then, a question comes to my mind: “Is there a best blessing of all – a blessing that we would rather give up all other blessings in order to receive it? In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus gave us “Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl”. He indicated that the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. 天國又好像買賣人尋找好珠子，遇見一顆重價的珠子，就去變賣他一切所有的，買了這顆珠子。(Matthew 13:45-46). In the merchant’s eye, the precious pearl is worthy of all his fortune and pursuit. Therefore, the best blessing of all is like the precious pearl to the merchant’s eye.

If we think the question further, we will ask, “What is the source of all blessings?” It is “Jesus Himself” because apostle Paul told us, “For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 因為萬有都是靠他造的，無論是天上的、地上的，能看見的、不能看見的，或是有位的、主治的、執政的、掌權的，一概都是藉著他造的，又是為他造的。 他在萬有之先，萬有也靠他而立。(Colossians 1:16-17). Most importantly, without Him, as apostle Paul said, we are still in sin because there is no reconciliation between us and God – there is no path to redemption (John 14:6).

Therefore, my dear friends, do you like the best blessing of all? In this month of blessing, let me tell you that the best blessing of all is to receive Jesus into your heart, to have Him with you throughout your life.
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Disclaimer: The sharing is pure from my personal view; therefore, please don’t take it to be absolute. Thanks.