Christmas Presents

Every year at this time of the season, I am entertained at how people shop for Christmas.  Put a man inside of Bath and Body and the sales clerk and help him overspend.  The parking lots are full and tempers begin to flare with the drivers.  All of this occurs so people can buy gifts for Christmas.  If we are not careful, we will miss the joy of giving and the best gift the world has ever received.

There is scientific research that endorses that giving can be emotionally healthy.  Giving can lead to happiness more than receiving.  Many people try to search for the perfect gift for their loved ones.  It’s not a bad thing.  Giving gifts is one way we show love and appreciation, as it is one of the five languages of love.  It’s not lower than the other languages of love.  It’s just one language that some people may have that expresses their love for others better than another love language like using words. 

Even in the mythological stories of Christmas, giving is essential and is considered to bring joy to the one who is giving.  If we look at the character of Santa Claus, he always smiles and is full of happiness as he travels around the world to give gifts.  He doesn’t do it to show-off, but he is invisible, so the person receiving the gift can be in awe of the giver. 

The best gift was given at Christmastime.  I know.  I know.  Jesus was probably not born in December, but we celebrate the coming of the greatest gift given to the world on a day that the pagan society thought of just celebrating the gift of winter.  God sent his son at a time that the world needed a Savior.  They thought they needed a political leader to save them from their human enemies, but in reality they needed someone to save them from their sins and crush our biggest enemy, Satan. 

Jesus came into the world quietly.  They wrapped him in cloths.  I was reminded this morning at church that there was no room for him in the inn.  God doesn’t push his way where he is not invited.  He was born in a barn.  He had shepherds come visit, and then later some wise men or magi who were searching for him.  Everyone who met him when he was born rejoiced when they left his presence.  They knew that his physical presence was the greatest present that this world would ever receive. 

Jesus came and brought love, compassion, wisdom, and truth.  Most of all, he brought life.  Jesus came to the world to save us from our sins.  Some people scoff at this gift.  Even at the time that Jesus was born, people expecting a political savior didn’t accept the human man, Jesus who hung out with twelve ragamuffins, healed the sick, and ate with sinners.  He taught with authority.  Then they crucified him and he died, but unlike all the others, he came back from the dead.  He conquered death.  He died so we would not die in our sin.

Our world is corrupt and in desperate need of a Savior.  This Christmas let us remember to give the gift of Jesus.  It may be with our words.  It may be with spending time with those that are difficult to love.  It just may be our presence with someone who needs a person instead of a present.  May we all accept the greatest Christmas gift ever…Jesus.  Merry Christmas.