As I looked under the Christmas tree at all of the beautifully wrapped presents I wondered why I had no feelings about them. I wondered why Christmas didn’t feel the same this year, and why I didn’t care about what was under that tree. I thought about all of the things under that tree: gift cards, clothes, shoes, all the material items I could ever want. It wasn’t that I didn’t want the items under that tree, and I was certainly grateful for all of them. However, I didn’t need any of them. I couldn't think of anything that I really personally needed for Christmas, but I could think up things I needed for those surrounding me.

What I needed was salvation for all those around me who don’t know Jesus, and conviction to tell lost souls around me about how great He is.

What I needed was rest for those I loved who were so weary, tired and tried. Those who felt like they never caught a break, and were constantly fighting some kind of battle.

What I needed was peace and comfort for all those who were brokenhearted, struggling and confused by the plans God had for them. I needed the words to say when people around me asked me why bad things had happened to them or why more good things weren’t happening for them.

What I needed was health for those around me struck with sickness, fighting cancer and mental illness. I needed cures for these diseases and help for those dealing with the illnesses day in and day out.

What I needed were homes for the homeless, food for the hungry and coats for the freezing. I needed the peace that would come to me if I knew no one was starving, cold or sleeping on the side of some road.

What I needed were families for those who were spending the holiday alone. I needed to know that everyone had someone to love and felt loved by someone else.

I realized that those pretty packages with those special, thoughtful gifts inside just weren’t going to do it for me this year. I needed more from this special, miracle-filled holiday season than presents. I needed things for other people. I needed them to feel loved by those around them, peace, the love of the Lord, and comfort.

My Christmas wishlist was pretty hefty this year, filled with "gifts" only God could give to those around me, and even those I had never met. Although the Christmas season has come and gone as quickly as ever, I still "need" all of these things, and I pray God grants them.