It’s that time of year again – Christmas! Just the mention of the word stirs up a myriad of mental images. The sights and smells and sounds of Christmas are wonderful. We anticipate seeing friends and family and relaxing from our regular routine. Without a doubt Christmas means many things to many people. But we must admit that the one aspect that rises above all others is the giving of gifts. Christmas has become synonymous with giving.
This isn’t all bad. It’s good to have a holiday with a reputation for giving. True, it has been exploited by some, but we have the right idea – giving. Giving shows care, concern, and commitment. Consider the greatest Giver – God. He knows a lot about giving. On the very first Christmas He gave just what the prophet foretold: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given” (Is. 9:6). The Bible teaches that God cared so much that He sent His Son to our planet. This was not some insignificant token but rather the ultimate gift. In His love, God gave His best for us. The result was the greatest gift the world would ever receive.
We have been the recipients of that giving and now we must ask ourselves if we care enough to give Him the very best. He gave His Son. What will we give Him? Will we submit our plans to His sovereign will? Will we give Him our dreams, time and energy? All these will be easier when we give Him the gift that pleases Him the most – ourselves. Giving like that is what this season is all about.
