That's A Wrap!

Ben, age 5

As a devoted artisan in the craft of lemonade-making, I often reflect on the intricacies of gift-giving and the joy it brings to our lives. One memorable experience that stands out is the delightful surprise I received from my nephew, Ben, during our family Christmas gathering in 2016.

Ben, age 12

The moment was marked by a grandiose box, meticulously wrapped with festive paper and adorned with my name, “Aunt Angie.” The sheer volume of tape he employed was a testament to his determination to make the unveiling a challenge. The vibrant wrapping paper was visually captivating, and the anticipation of discovering the contents stirred a sense of excitement within me. Would you care to know what lay within that enchanting package? You'll find out shortly.

A Wrapped Gift and Lemonade

I must confess that my love language is gifts, and I never turn down the opportunity to unwrap a lovingly packaged present. Wrapped gifts symbolize celebration. They represent the giver’s thoughtful sacrifice, concealment from prying eyes, and the promise of delight for the recipient. Every gathering becomes more joyous with the inclusion of gifts, wouldn’t you agree? Just as wrapping a gift brings joy and excitement, making lemonade involves a careful blend of ingredients and techniques to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Both activities require attention to detail and a personal touch.

Both require thoughtful preparation and planning. The way they are presented can enhance the experience and build the anticipation. Both aim to bring joy to others, whether through the surprise of a gift or the refreshing taste of lemonade. Preparation. Presentation. Personal Joy. Yes, Ben had prepared his box. He presented his box. The look on his face revealed his personal joy and let me know that I would soon experience the same!

Before I tell the rest of the story about Ben's gift to me, I want you to think about another gift. It has been prepared. It is presented and has the capacity to bring unspeakable, unexplainable, unfathomable joy in light of any trouble. God offers us the promise of His presence, not only to guide us ahead or seal what is behind but also to hold the best of us together. God’s wrap-around presence is a free gift to all of us.

“He alone is my safe place; his wrap-around presence always protects me for he is my Champion defender; there’s no risk of failure with God. So, why would I let worry paralyze me, even when troubles multiply around me?” Psalm 62:2 TPT

Throughout the Bible, God is depicted as a shield and protection. Psalm 91:11 states, "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways".  David writes in Psalm 139:4-5 that God hems us in, behind and before, and lays his hand upon us. He says that God goes before us and follows us....if we look behind us, he is there; then up ahead and he is there too.

Wrapped up in God’s Presence

Isn’t it wonderful? Can you sense it? God’s presence enveloping you. It was secured through the sacrifice of His Son, shielding you from the distractions of the world. Within God’s wrap-around presence lies a precious gift—YOU!

As I pondered the concept of “wrap,” I drew three poignant comparisons: gift wrap signifies awareness of value; bubble wrap emphasizes awareness of vulnerability; and an ACE bandage wrap illustrates awareness of potential harm that could impair value or usefulness.

What comfort it brings to know that God’s wrap-around presence secures our value, safeguards us amidst vulnerability, and protects us from harm! This divine presence is as close as our awareness of Him. Should we neglect the discipline of spending time in His presence, we risk forfeiting the myriad gifts that God bestows upon us.

God has prepared his presence, presented us with the chance to be shielded with his presence, and experience that 'trouble might knock me down, but I'm going to get back up every single time and remain sweetly in love with Jesus' in any situation.

Ben's Gift

As I finally tore away the wrapping paper, loosened the tape, and opened the beautiful box, I was met with a surprising sight. At the bottom of the beautifully wrapped box, my dear nephew had penned a personal message: “Enjoy this big, beautiful box of disappointment.” What a letdown! Tears sprang to my eyes because of the hope that was disappointed.

Ben, in his usual creative orneriness, had gotten one over his Aunt. He wasn't being mean. He was being funny, so with his comedic spirit, Ben erupted in laughter. One of us was experiencing personal joy, and it wasn't me! The initial pang of disappointment stung. The empty box wasn't intended to cause pain, but boy, did it hurt! From anyone else, it might have seemed a cruel joke. Instead it was a memory that has become a story we tell every year around Christmas time!

Ben, adult

However, the gift of God’s wrap-around presence is no trick; it will never leave you feeling empty. I invite you to take a moment right now to experience the fullness of God’s wrap-around presence. This embrace can only envelop you when you choose to take a minute and think about God. His love, his provision, his patience, his protection--and so many others--are ways that He will surround our lives if we receive the gift of His presence. God’s wrap-around presence is not a trick. It will never leave you empty or leave you disappointed. Take a minute right now and receive the gift of God’s wrap-around presence. And, I’d say….”That’s a Wrap!”

Heavenly Father,

You are my rock and my refuge, as it says in Psalm 62:2, the steady foundation beneath my feet when the heat of life presses in. Like the perfect balance of sugar and zest in my finest lemonade, You keep me from being shaken, grounding me in Your unshakable love. I invite Your wrap-around presence into my days, Lord—stir it into every moment, every squeeze of effort, every pour of my heart.

As Psalm 139:5 promises, You hem me in, behind and before, like the cool rind that holds the juice together, keeping it fresh and whole. Surround me, God, with Your hands of care—press in close when the world feels too bitter, and let me feel Your nearness shaping my life into something sweet and purposeful.

And like Psalm 7:10 declares, You are my shield, O Most High, saving the upright in heart. Guard me as I craft my days, Lord—protect me from the sourness of doubt or the pith of fear. Wrap me in Your strength, a defense as sure as the pitcher that holds my best blend, poured out for others to taste and see Your goodness.

Lord, I’m just a lemonade maker, but I long for Your presence to infuse every part of my work and my soul. Mix Yourself into me—Your peace, Your joy, Your love—until I overflow with the refreshment of knowing You’re near. Wrap me up in You today, Father, and every day, so that all I do reflects Your sweet, steady grace.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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