Luke 2:11-12 – For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. (ESV)

It's the day after Christmas, and I am quietly sitting here looking at all the gifts that I received from friends and loved ones. While I really appreciate their thoughtfulness, I also know that I didn't need any of them. Some did send charitable donations to different agencies in my name, and I'm sure that their money would help someone in need, so I need not feel too guilty about the gifts that I did receive.

My thoughts drifted to the topic of gifts, and I immediately began to think of all the gifts that God has given to me — the greatest of all being His Son whose birthday people celebrate at Christmas — at least some people celebrated it. Others were totally taken up in the partying aspect, never giving a thought to the real meaning of Christmas. How sad that they have missed out on the greatest Gift ever given to mankind.

Looking at the small stable scene that I had placed on my coffee table, depicting the figures of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, I thank God that one Christmas Day many years ago, He invited me to come and worship with the shepherds and the wise men, to come and celebrate the birth of the newborn Baby called Jesus. I remember wondering, What could I give Him for a birthday gift when He already owns everything as God and King of the universe?

The answer came clearly as I pondered that question. I would give Him my heart. In return, He gave me the most precious gift of salvation and eternal life.

Perhaps, that is why so many people do not want to celebrate His birth: they are not prepared to give the only gift that our Lord desires. For them it's much more fun to go to a party and eat and drink and enjoy Santa Claus's gifts. This is their idea of Christmas. Giving their hearts to Jesus never enters their minds.

As I tried to talk to a friend of mine about the real meaning of Christmas just a few days ago, as she was scurrying around looking for last-minute gifts, she laughed and said, "What will you do if, when you reach the end of your life, you discover that all of this Jesus business you talk about is not true? Look at all the fun you will have missed."

My reply left her looking rather stunned, when I asked, "What will you do when you discover that it is true? Then you will realize what you will be missing."

Perhaps we should be asking this question more frequently! And perhaps we should be prepared to tell people that Jesus is the only truth that matters, even though they might consider us to be fanatics.

I leave you with one question: Are we sharing that vital truth with our friends and neighbours who may not know Him as Saviour?

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, help each one of us as Your children always to be ready to share the gospel whenever You open the door and offer us the privilege. We do not need to be afraid that we won't know what to say, for the Scripture clearly tells us that in that time, we will be given the words by the Holy Spirit. In this season, we have the wonderful opportunity of sharing what Christmas means to us. Help us through the power of Your Holy Spirit to share the greatest gift that You have ever given. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Sharon Y. Greer <sygreer11@gmail.com>
Sandycove Acres, Innisfil, Ontario, Canada
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