A Real Christmas Gift

A Real Christmas Gift

Pastor Henry’s Christmas Message

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him. On coming to the manger, they saw the child with his mother Mary, Joseph, and some shepherds, animals, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and incense and myrrh. (Matthew. 2:1-2, 11).

Even today everyone knows that gold is one of the most sought-after treasures on earth. At the time of Christ’s birth this precious metal might have even been more highly prized. A gift of gold meant that the gift was especially important and that the person who received the gift was very important. Furthermore, the person who received the gift was a loved one or a person of very highly standing. However, to give gold to a baby would have been all but unheard of, unless, of course, that child was a king, which Jesus is because he is the Son of God and Savior of the world. The wise men had to have divine insight into the future work of Jesus to be moved to present the child with this gift. They must have known that the gold would be used to support the most important work the world would ever know. Yes, through a divine insight from God, the wise men were part of a miracle Christmas gift from God to the world.

Today shoppers spend billions of dollars on Christmas shopping during the holiday season in the United States alone. The Puritans probably would be appalled that Christmas gifts have become not only the driving force of the holidays and of the American economy as well. Yet, there is much more to this custom that just dollars and cents.

While many think Christmas gift giving is rank commercialism and the cause of a great deal of stress, when put into proper perspective, these presents can open the door to teaching about the real meaning of the holidays. Jesus Christ is the ultimate king, the Son of God and the Savior of this world who came not to take but to give. His gift was the ultimate sacrifice and therefore bring each Christmas into focus. While the custom of exchanging personal Christmas gifts is a relatively new tradition, it can be easily traced to some very enlightened men who believed that the birth of Jesus was worth a long perilous journey to present the very best gifts they had to offer.

You can also present a Christmas gift to Jesus this Christmas and every Christmas. It is your love and faith in him. In closing, remember He knows your love and faith in Him is in your heart. Personally, I believe that is the absolute best gift we can give Jesus. Susan and I want to wish you and your family a blessed Very Merry Christmas.

Yours In Christ,

Pastor Dick Henry