Celebrating Christmas - sharing the gift

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15 NASB)

Christmas! How do we celebrate? Gift-giving, cookie baking, card-sending, church-attending, choir-singing, charity-giving, neighborhood-caroling, tree-decorating, party-hosting, present-wrapping, package-sending, family-visiting, travel-planning and more! The list of how we celebrate today seems unending.

What a contrast to that first Christmas, when angels proclaimed the birth of the Christ child in a heavenly celebration with one shining star as the only decoration. As far as any party for Jesus’ birthday (which was actually His “earthday”) we’re told that a few shepherds were invited and came not for treats or games or cake but to worship Him.

Later, Magi appeared bringing gifts to honor the young boy child. And centuries later, the exchanging of gifts to celebrate Christmas began and has continued, although it is still Jesus’ birthday, not ours. The intent of gift-giving is to replicate the love God showed us by giving us His Son, but has it become a dutiful act, just a tradition?

Do we comprehend this Jesus—the Christ--is God’s gift to the whole world bringing eternal salvation for those who believe and receive Him? Do we consider that many people have not received that gift? Perhaps a better gift than another tie for Uncle Harry or a poinsettia for neighbor Millie would be sharing why Christ came and what He did for them and for the world, including them.

If we love Jesus, should we not love to tell the story of the cross as well as the one of the cradle? Should we not celebrate what His death, burial, and resurrection mean to us and for all who love His appearing and how we wait in expectation for His coming again?

Christmas! Lord, help us to share the Gift that lasts forever so angels celebrate again when someone receives Your Gift—Christ!

Sandra Fisher
info@grace-lines.net