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On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
Matthew 2:11 NIV

Christmas is just a few days away and ask any child what they are most looking forward to and I can almost guarantee you the answer will involve "presents."

The tradition of giving gifts at this time of year started long ago with the visit by the Magi to see Jesus. They brought him gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh. In our mind these might not seem very valuable, but at the time, these were extremely precious and very valuable. The Magi had traveled a long way and for quite some time in hopes of finding the king of the Jews. And when they found him they were overjoyed.

I can remember as a child being so excited about Christmas. It definitely was about the presents. I'm one of those who loves ripping open packages. There's nothing quite like the sound wrapping paper makes when it's torn. However, I'm afraid that somewhere in the process of celebrating Christmas, I got more wrapped up in the presents, Santa, and decorations than I did in knowing the significance of the birth of Jesus. As I got older, and the presents became fewer and fewer there have been times I've missed getting all those presents.

But I definitely found the best gift of all... Jesus. It's not a gift you can wrap up and put under the tree. And it's not a gift that you only can get once a year - say at Christmas time. It's a gift that is mine to treasure all day, every day. It's a gift I can share. It's a gift that's available to everyone.

It is certainly my prayer for each of you this year, that if you have not received the gift of Jesus, you will this year.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14 NIV

He loves you so very much. God came down in the flesh and dwelt among us. He wanted us to know just how much he loves us. He was willing to humble himself and become like one of us - even to the point of death.

but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Philippians 2:7-8 NIV

As you celebrate Christmas this year with your family and friends I imagine many of you will include gift giving as part of your celebration. I have a question for you... as you think about the greatest gift of all... the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ - all for your sake... what gifts will you give him this year?

Will you give him your time, your money, your family, your loved ones, your life, your job, your heart, your hopes, your dreams, your worship... will you give him YOU?

Father God, maker of Heaven and Earth... we lift your name on High. You are worthy of all our praise. Thank you for loving us so much that you would willingly humble yourself and become like one of us... being obedient even to the point of death... and not because of any sin that was present in you... because you were perfect and free from sin... but because of the sin in us - the sin in me... you gave your very life. This is by far the greatest gift anyone could ever receive. Thank you! May each of us remember the true reason we celebrate Christmas this year and every year. It's not about the material presents we can give or receive - but it's about the gift you gave us through the birth of Jesus Christ... the one who makes reconciliation with you possible. What a wonderful gift. Amen.

"Today's Little Lift" from Jim Bullington

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