It's A Boy—jesus!

Because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

Luke 2:4-7

It’s a girl—our girl! Kali Sutton Newlen was born Christmas week. To be honest, that year the many gifts under the tree seemed insignificant once she finally arrived. Our hearts were filled with gratefulness to God that we finally had a long-awaited child! She certainly was a gift that would keep on giving . . . and taking!

My sweet mom was the best gift giver. I think that God’s chosen season for her granddaughter’s birth was an extra-special gift to us both. December is known as a gift-giving month, and people are often looking for ideas for the perfect present to buy for the special someone (or someones) in their lives.

My sweet sister, Shawn, gave me an idea that has become part of our family’s Christmas tradition. On the first day of December, I place a big basket in our foyer filled with brand-new, unwrapped seasonal gifts. They are tied with beautiful Christmas ribbon so that everyone who comes to our door that month can grab a gift from the basket. Visitors can choose what they need or take something new to surprise someone else with.

This time of year we give Christmas gifts because we celebrate God’s great gift in the birthday of Jesus. God wrapped His Son in the flesh as a human baby, who grew up and gave His life so that we might have forgiveness of sin and eternal life!

We open not only the gift of salvation by faith in Christ, but also the gifts of love, joy, peace, and comfort. And God’s gifts aren’t just reserved for Christmas—they keep on coming throughout the year. How exciting is that—we can celebrate Jesus’ birth every day! It’s a boy—it’s Jesus!

Happy birthday, Jesus!