Is it possible the true gifts of Christmas aren’t in the pretty packages beneath the Christmas tree?
It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas when its mighty Founder was a child Himself. ―Dickens
As a child, I loved looking through the pages of the Sears Christmas catalogue. I’d write out a wish list and give it to my mom. My hopes of receiving what I wanted ran high, that is until Christmas Eve when our family opened gifts. There was no doll, or play sewing machine. Instead, my presents were hair rollers, underwear, perhaps a yoyo, a coloring book, and lifesavers or gum. Money was tight. The gifts given were, in large part, things I needed.
The Real Gift
Years passed before I understood the real reason for the Christmas season. Jesus’s humble birth, in a faraway Bethlehem manger, was the ultimate love gift of all time. This gift came to earth because of God’s heart for you and me.
This is the perfect time to revisit that first holy night described in the book of Luke, chapter two. We read of a group of shepherds, doing what shepherds routinely do, whose nightshift became anything but usual.
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:9-14 NKJV
The Gift of Forgiveness
God pardons like a mother that kisses the offense into everlasting forgetfulness.[i]
The birth of Jesus changed the world. This Babe carried with Him the gift of forgiveness. God’s own Son donned humanity to meet a need we could never accomplish on our own. His love was, and still is, the only way solution to our sin condition. Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah, came to pardon our sins.
When we say “Yes” to Jesus, we receive the gift of forgiveness.
The Gift of Hope
The next gift-blessing is hope. We all need hope. Without it life is empty. With it we can trust God to carry us through whatever circumstances we encounter. His promises become strings of precious pearls. They allow us to see through eyes of faith and believe He holds our future in His hands.
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:5 NKJV
New Understanding
Yes, my little girl heart was set on a specific doll and the small sewing machine. But I’ve come to know God was supplying my needs in far better ways than I understood as a child. New underwear was a practical gift. And then one Christmas was different. A large package arrived from my favorite aunt. In it was the most beautiful bride doll. And she was all mine.
Reflect
Let’s take time to reflect on the gifts we place under the Christmas tree. Are they desired items, or trinkets without lasting value? Will we also include true gifts that give all year long? Perhaps there’s a balance to attain. Especially if there is someone on our list who could be blessed by the gift of forgiveness. Wouldn’t it feel good to give the true gifts of Christmas and see hope embraced?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for revealing the true reason for Christmas. You saw our need and brought the best gift ever—a pardon for our sins. Because of You we stand righteous before God the Father. Prompt us to give true gifts this Christmas and throughout the year. Gifts of forgiveness, hope, mercy and love are the very best presents to give and to receive. Amen
Coaches Corner
Perhaps you struggle to believe Jesus pardoned your sin, or to forgive and let others off the hook. If so, a relationship coach can help you move forward. The first 30 minute session is free. https://www.rebuildingfamilies.net/a-life-coach-wants-to-help-you-achieve-your-goals/
[i] Author unknown, Three Thousand Selected Quotations, 1907 The S.S. Scranton Co., p. 441
