That Precious Gift!

If we ever had to pick a season where the term "gift" would have meaning for the majority of this world, it would be the season of Christmas.

From fairytales of Santa coming down the chimney with gifts, to people who want to truly appreciate those who have stood by them through the year, Christmas, which falls at the end of a year is truly a culmination of all events that took place throughout that year for most.

For some of us, it is the busiest season with cooking ,cleaning , hosting , attending dinners, buying gifts & packing gifts… and the list goes on. There is barely time to breath until January and that’s when we realize we are in the New Year! The gifts we received that month was all received in a flurry of excitement in those moments and quickly forgotten as we moved to the next thing on our list.

We didn’t get a lot of gifts growing up, barely celebrated birthdays let alone Christmas. So getting a gift was a big deal. Even in the scarcity of gifts I remember the best kind of gifts that I have ever received were the ones that I prayed for and ended up getting… Let me say that again.. Gifts that are prayed for - not whined or cried for or hinted at, but the ones you told in secret to your Father in heaven or sometimes even just thought of, in a wishful moment that are answered - are, in my experience, the best kind of gifts!

I am someone who puts a lot of thought into the gifts I buy for others. If it's someone I know well, its easier to find a gift because I know their likes and dislikes. If it's someone new in my circle then I try to remember conversations where they would have mentioned something they want and I pay close attention to see if they are someone who appreciates vintage things or the latest fashion, do they talk about books more or movies, and then try to buy something accordingly. I love seeing the joy on people faces when they open their gifts and are really surprised that I got them something they would love.

The word of God says “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” - James 1:17

This Christmas, I am reminded that if I put so much thought into what I would get for my loved ones how much does our Father in heaven, as the verse says above, from whom comes every "good and perfect gift" would have thought, before He sent us His Son and our Savior, Jesus. The Son of God came down to earth, as a helpless babe, so that He would be the perfect sacrifice for our sins.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16

As I read "The very first Christmas" story, I was once again in awe of how much joy the birth of this child brought to not just His parents, but to all those who heard about His birth starting from the Shepherds (considered the lowly people) to the Magi (considered to be the wisest people). He was a gift to all regardless of their status or worth.

Matthew 2:10-11 says "When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 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, frankincense and myrrh."

I love how the Magi's were prepared with gifts. They did not come empty handed. They knew who this child is... He is the Son of God, The Great I Am, The King of Kings and The Lord of Lords!

Whatever images the word “gift” has put in your mind are all precious - in every size, shape or form that you have received them. But this Christmas may our hearts be filled with gratitude as we are reminisce this precious gift - Jesus. Let us remember that Christmas is all about Him and I pray that He is who we will celebrate this Christmas!!!

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 5:9

Wishing you all a blessed Christmas!!!