THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS MUST BE A NIGHTMARE FOR MOST RETAILERS. Hoards of people flock to the stores to return gifts in exchange for money or credit or another similar item. The reasons offered are multitude: wrong color, wrong size, needs repairing, wrong model or type, received another just like it…and on and on it goes. There is lots of activity but little profit for the merchants, not only on that day, but most days between Christmas and New Years.

Of course, there are gifts that should never be exchanged---those that fit just right; they’re perfect, exactly what we wanted. That’s a parable of life, isn’t it? Our unique personalities, talents and gifts are from above. They suit us just fine. The happiest folks are those who are content with who they are.

And then there are the gifts that cannot be exchanged. You’ve seen the signs, haven’t you? IF YOU BREAK IT, YOU BUY IT! You can’t exchange something if you’ve broken it or torn it, not if you want a clear conscience. This is also true with regard to the things we have received at birth---family, race, heritage, I.Q., hair color, etc. You can’t give them back. We have to make the most of what’s been given!

Someone has said that the beginning of the 20th century was the ideal time for living—after plumbing and before the world wars. But we know that no age has come even close to perfection. This is all the time we have. This is our generation. This is a time for us to spread the love of God!

There are at least 3 things in the spiritual realm that cannot be returned or replaced. First, the soul. We can’t give anything in exchange for it (Matt.16:26). Next, the Bible. Nothing can take its place; it is unique, the Book of books, God’s love letter to us. Lastly, the Holy Spirit. No substitutes for Him. He transforms, guides, teaches, rebukes, and empowers.

But, there are some things need exchanging—something old, or wrong, for something better. For example, frowns for smiles, criticism for encouragement, excuses for commitment, doubt for faith, stinginess for generosity, pessimism for optimism, gossip for praise, laziness for action.

2008 is an open door. As we enter, there are three things that all of us will take into it: time, opportunity, and ability. We can grow, we can change. We can exchange our weaknesses for God’s strength, our fears for His power, and our selfishness for His love.

Thanks to Marilyn for the beautiful card that contained the following anonymous poem. I can think of no better advice for the New Year.

To leave the old with a burst of song;
To recall the right and forgive the wrong;
To forget the things that bind you fast
To the vain regrets of the year that's past;
To have the strength to let go your hold
Of the not worth while of the days grown old;
To dare go forth with a purpose true,
To the unknown task of the year that's new;
To help your brother along the road,
To do his work and lift his load;
To add your gift to the world's good cheer,
Is to have and to give a Happy New Year.