“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Christmas is that time of year when people go out of their way – go the extra mile – to purchase and present gifts. Gifts of all sorts – toys, cosmetics, jewelry, spa treatments, fragrances, utensils, linens, trips and the list could go on and on. Big gifts, small gifts, you name it. It is also the time when many people will be disappointed to the extent that they curse and cry because they did not receive any gifts or did not like the gifts they received.
The Shepherds, too, on that first Christmas Day – the birthday of the Baby Jesus – also bore gifts to the Christ Child: gold, frankincense and myrrh. It was a day worth celebrating. It was indeed a joyous occasion. However, the giving of the gold, frankincense and myrrh was not the important thing here. It was the Gift of the Christ Child to the world that was important. He was, and still is, the greatest gift to the world and must be treasured. Some of us have not yet comprehended it or else we would celebrate the occasion differently. It would be a spiritual celebration. This gift was to redeem us, to liberate us, from the bondage of sin. Our debt was paid in full when He died on the cross. Hallelujah! Glory and thanks be to His name! The Messiah has come! The atonement was made. We are no longer a bond slave to sin. His birth brought freedom for all.
The gift of Jesus brought hope to mankind – brought hope to a dying world. We now have nothing to fear. The gift lives on. Every year at this time the carols, although old, are yet ever new. They stir up that joy, peace and love in our hearts. Love came that very first Christmas Day.
Jesus is indeed a gift worth treasuring. He is our lifetime gift. But the gift you will receive on Christmas Day should also be treasured, be it a big gift or a small gift. It is not the material things you receive that are important – it is the thought and sacrifices of those who purchased the gift. Some people put themselves under great strain at this time of year to make others happy by giving. So treasure that gift be it great or small. Give without expecting one in return. This year there might not be any material gifts to give, so please don’t get angry with anyone who cannot afford to give. Instead, give love. It is the greatest gift of all. Extend a hand of peace to those who hurt you, feed the hungry, comfort the sick and the bereaved, clothe the naked, visit those in the prison, help the elderly and teach the children about God’s love. Let us treasure the persons in our lives. Those are some of the gifts given to us. God’s love brings peace, joy and happiness to all.
As we commemorate the birthday of Jesus, let us remember all those in our land and other lands who are experiencing hardships at this time, and all those who do not believe in our Lord Jesus. Here is a poem that outlines what the gift of Christmas is all about:
The Gift of Christmas
A child was born in Bethlehem many years ago.
In a small and humble stable, (there was no place else to go).
Above the little manger shone the Star of Bethlehem.
Sparkling like a diamond rare, a bright and shining gem.
It kept a lonely vigil there in the midnight sky.
Like a beacon to the world and every passer-by.
From Heaven’s stately mansions came Angels singing praise.
Announcing His arrival as on Him they did gaze.
Then appearing to the shepherds who were frightened at the sight.
Proclaiming the good tidings of The Savior’s birth that night.
And testifying to the world of His calling so divine.
That we would hear His teachings and believe on every line.
Many faithful people came in haste from miles around.
They knelt in awe and wonder when the Christ Child they had found.
The rich, the poor, the curious, the healthy and the lame.
Shepherds, Kings and Wise men, from every land they came.
To see this precious miracle and worship at His side.
That they might feel His spirit and with Him, might abide.
Gifts they brought from every land, gold, frankincense and myrrh.
In honor of The Christ Child, an event beyond compare.
They knelt in silent reverence knowing not what lay in store.
But trusting in the promise of true peace forever more.
Christmases have come and gone since this miracle occurred.
Each time we’ve knelt in solemn prayer in remembrance of our Lord.
We’ve celebrated this event in oh so many ways.
We honour Him with dignity in song and verse and praise.
Carols, presents and Christmas trees, traditions we all love.
But the birth of our dear Savior transcends all else above.
When giving gifts to those we love it is good that we recall,
That the love of our Redeemer is the greatest gift of all. (Gerald R. Hill).
Remember: Jesus is the greatest gift of all.
About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only. Contact information: 476-3517 or email: marilynb@anguillanet.com.
