That Special Gift
The impending birth of a baby is a time of hope, joy, and excitement. Whether you’re a family member or a friend, it is a time for celebration. Many times there is a party where people are invited to come enjoy time
together with the parents and bring gifts to help honor the occasion. Clothes, strollers, diapers, and stuffed bears are common items people bring. It is always fun to celebrate this happy occasion.
When Jesus was born, a star guided the wise men from a distance to go join Mary and celebrate the birth of the Savior. In the carol, “We Three Kings,” we sing of them "following yonder star" to find him. I imagine they were dressed in their finest, and the Bible tells us they offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Gifts are definitely a part of our Christmas traditions. The business community depends on it for their bottom line. Some people like to go out with or without a list and find the gifts for special people while others bake or craft their gifts. Then we wrap them with paper and a bow or stuff them in a bag with tissue and deposit them under the tree. It’s part of our Christmas culture.
This year, when you are out shopping for that special gift for that special person or making or baking items as gifts, remember why it so important to you and where the tradition began. It’s in the Bible—and Jesus was too small to even say, “Thank you.”
In this season of gift-giving, is my heart truly centered on others?