Christmas? Bah, Humbug! My perspective of Christmas has just changed.

When I was a child, I had the typical Christmas wish list—a giant Lego set, a new football, remote-controlled car, a pocketknife.

As an adult, I still had the list, but it was now drawn from a Cabela’s magazine. My wish list now consisted of a hunting man’s wishes: a camo shirt, new binoculars, a backpack, another pocketknife (you can never have too many hunting knives)!

But as far as I’m concerned, you can toss those lists out the window. I have a new list now with only one item. All I want for Christmas are new eyes for Mariana. I want the blind to see.

Mariana is a beautiful 8-year-old girl, the same age as my oldest daughter, Elissa. She lives in Moldova, has a sweet 8-year-old smile, and the same 8-year-old dreams as any little girl. Yet she can’t see. Last Sunday I preached at the church she attends in the town of Bender.

Following the service, her father came forward and asked me to pray for his daughter, Mariana. As I put my arms around Mariana, my heart broke. I prayed in faith, asking for the healing presence of God to give her sight and to give her peace.

But she walked away still blind.

Perhaps I don’t have enough faith. Perhaps I haven’t prayed and fasted enough. Perhaps I just need to learn how to accept the destiny of people. Perhaps I just feel too much helplessness at the overwhelming sea of pain.

I’d like to propose a trade with you, God! I’d give up every Christmas present for the next 50 years if You’ll just give Mariana her sight! I’ll sacrifice my left arm, the sight of my right eye, Lord, if you will just heal Mariana.

Why don’t you do something, God!!!!!!

And He did. God gently reproved me with the simple thought, “I did. It is called Christmas.”

That first Christmas morning meant that he started His life’s journey to bring forgiveness and mercy to this world, to give healing to the sick, to grant peace to the brokenhearted, and to share the good news to searching people.

God sent the first gift to us—Himself. He gave the first gift—His one and only Son. He gave of His life, His sweat, His blood so He could bear our pain and our sins. He came because He loves.

Jesus came because He loves Mariana. He understands her life, with all its pain and hurt. And He understands yours.

So while you are unwrapping your presents today, remember His love in action, in the form of a little baby boy.

Still full of Christmas Wishes,

Andy Raatz

PS: We wish everyone a wonderful Christmas. We are having a wonderful day with friends, celebrating our second Christmas in Moldova.