Wednesday, December 23, 2009

"The Gift of Christmas"


The “Gift” of Christmas

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
(Luke 2: 14)

So many of us find ourselves overdone, overdrawn, and just tired at this time of year. It is so easy to lose sight of what Christmas is all about. It isn't about presents - and yet it truly is about a "gift". It isn't about the tree, or the decorations - and yet in a stable so long ago the stars and angels were shining so beautifully. Christmas is about "the gift of God's love to each of us". But to truly accept that gift, is sometimes a very scary thing. Even the angels knew that - for this is the account of the first Christmas:

"And it came about that when they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her first-born son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
"And in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened."
"And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
(This account is from Luke 2: 5 - 11)

When my youngest grandson started to ask questions about Christmas - I told him that Christmas was a birthday party - celebrating the birth of Jesus. We open presents to symbolize the presents that were brought to the baby Jesus by the Wise Men so long ago. I then told him that with each present, as we open it - we need to say "Happy Birthday Jesus!" and thank God for the biggest gift of all - the Lord Jesus in our lives!
I don't know if my little grandson totally understood. But it is what I want to share with each of you, as well as my friends and family. I am so thankful to the Lord for the gift of Love. For "God is Love". He gave us His son - and He gave me so many other gifts of love. My husband, my family, and my wonderful friends. For each - I thank God every day.
Christmas - is it about presents? yes and no. It is about the present of God in our lives - and the gift of a Savior for every single one of us. It is the gifts that God has for each of us . . .


"And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."
(Luke 2: 13 & 14)

God bless you at this most wonderful time of the year!

In His Amazing Love,
Debbie & Ted Ayers