What Gift Will You Give?

For those of you who know me, you know I’m big on birthdays.  I recently celebrated my own and unlike last year, I actually got to take a short trip.  It was still limited, but I did get away from the house.  That could lead some to believing things are back to what we considered normal prior to COVID.  However, things are not back to normal.  The world is still in a bit of chaos, with a new variant loose and multiplying.  Thankfully, the new variant is not prominent yet, but COVID is still spreading and causing sicknesses and deaths.  

A year ago, I thought this would be long over.  But here we are, preparing to celebrate the birthday of the Messiah, after another year of drama associated with COVID.  While it’s been another rough year and while there are plans to return more to normal, the pandemic continues.  All that said, we have to remember that nothing happens by chance……everything matters and happens for a reason.  And, God can use anything for His purpose (Prov 16:4).  

I know that all things work together for our good, if we love God and are called for His purpose (Rom 8:28).  While COVID has been a thing, it’s brought our family together weekly to have bible study, so we’re growing closer together as we learn and grow in the Lord.  That would not have happened without the new experience with COVID.  Now, did I wish for that?  Absolutely not!  I didn’t even know I needed to spend time with the family in this way and it took a year for the idea to bubble to the surface.  Now, this time together is a source of strength for me.  I miss my family when we don’t meet.  I miss our prayer time together.  It’s a blessing to have them and this time together.  They are a gift. 

Just as God blessed me with the gift of my family, God gifted us with Jesus (Isa 9:6).  He is the Ultimate Gift!  His birth signified God’s promise to David of an everlasting kingdom (Psa 145:13).  Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Tim 6:15)! His sacrifice of leaving heaven to come to earth is as important as His death on the cross and His resurrection.  He fulfilled every prophecies of the prophets hundreds of years before.  His birth was celebrated by the stars, angels, shepherds, wise men, etc.  At His birth, He received gifts referencing His death (Matt 2:1-12).  He came with purpose and to honor His birth is to honor His life.  Jesus was born to live a blameless, sinless life so He could be the sacrificial lamb to save us all from our sins.  

As you prepare to celebrate the birth of the King, remember all that He suffered to give each of us the gift of eternal life.  And, think about what your gift to Him will be for His birthday.  He asked us to do a few things – Love God with all our heart, soul and mind and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31).  If we live our lives committed to doing those things, I believe He will be pleased.  What better gift can we give than ourselves?  

Praying you have a marvelous Christmas filled with love, joy, peace and laughter as you celebrate our Lord and Savior!