Christmas Gifts

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

Matthew 2:10 KJV

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year. Who has time to take a break? But when we do slow down, we see why people are speeding around. If you visit any shopping center in the middle of December, read the newspaper advertisements, or look under the tree on Christmas Day, you will see that gifts have become the focus of this holiday.

As Christians, we know the deeper meaning of Christmas and gift giving. When we present a gift to someone, we say in a tangible way how much we appreciate him, respect him, and have concern for him. But most of all, we say how much we love him. Remember how Jesus’ birth was celebrated with gifts: “And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).

The tradition of gift giving today is a powerful testimony to the deeper meaning of the season. Giving at this time of year is a rich and exciting experience, reflecting God’s gift to us.