Our Very Special Gift

By now, the planning and preparations are well underway as we begin the celebration of the Christmas season.  There will be shopping to do in person, a store pickup, and of course online. All looking to find and purchase that very special gift for that very special one. Afterwards, many of us will prepare for visitors, family members, and dear friends, who will come from places near and far to share in the happiness and joy we all will feel, and then, of course, many of us shall make travel plans of our own – to reach out to those who are limited from traveling, for they too are important. As we do travel along the stretches of highways, along city streets, or down country roads, we will witness numerous homes decorated with a host of colored lights, red, green, blue, and white, and find ourselves remarking, ‘oh how they will sparkle in the firmament of the night’, they bring us such a delight as we journey on in the cold evening night. There will be occasion, as we drive along, of seeing through a living room window a decorated tree with colorful ornaments, lit bulbs of blinking lights and topped with a bright white star. Memories are created, remembrances cherished.

Why the gifts? Is your list complete? As you ponder more and more, additional names come to mind.  Will I ever complete this shopping? Oh yes, don’t forget the honoree. But is this why Christmas is celebrated? No. Not fully. Most people celebrate it as a time for family and friends to come together, whereas Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25th to honor the birth of Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem. Why the gifts? They are given to show our love for the recipient, an offering from the heart – its purpose is to bring about a smile. What is the perfect gift to give? What is the appropriate gift? One that brings a twinkle to the eyes and a glowing smile for all to see.

Why the gatherings? People generally plan to return home to connect with family and friends many of whom throughout the year would not do so due to other commitments, and Christmastime is the most favorable time for most to do so, for it is at the end of the year we work our hardest to ensure to make the special holiday connection that is Christmas work. Parents especially, look forward to the time of seeing children visit home, some bringing children of their own along. As the years move on change does occur. Celebratory events evolve into different actions as adults look back to remember their formative years and the joy that comes with the retelling of their heroic and daring tales of yesteryear, so that future generations will mold them into legend. But at the end of the day, all will be looking forward to time spent with people who they love and who love them. 

We celebrate Christmas with such joy when an angel appeared to shepherds, even though they were terrified when the glory of the Lord shone around them, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:8-12) that announced the birth of Jesus Christ. God the Father, Creator and Sustainer of all life gave mankind the best gift. He, who sent His only Son, God the Son, Jesus Christ, to offer redemption and a life forever with him. The life Jesus sacrificed for whomever receives the special and perfect gift was a display of love. No matter who you are, where you are from, rich or poor, this gift man could never buy nor work to receive or repay. It is true love that makes the world go round, for all we ever had, and will continue to have is each other, so as you plan your gift list, include yourself as a recipient of the very special gift that Jesus Christ has wrapped for you when He first came to us as an infant, lived a life free of sin to set an example for us all, later falsely accused of blasphemy, and because of love for us all, was willing to die on a cross. But the story does not end here. He lives! The recipients of this gift keeps sharing it with others as true love continues.