GIFTS, GIFTS, AND MIRACLES

In Louisa May Alcott’s book, Little Women, the sister, Jo March, complained, “Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents.” Well, Jo was right. Christmas began with gifts.

God’s gift was love. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

Mary gave selflessness. “I am the Lord’s servant”, Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her (Luke 1:38).

Joseph’s gift was trust and faith. But, after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife (Matthew 1:20-21, 24).

The Innkeeper gave charity. He gifted a warm, safe, and dry place for the night. Because there was no room for them in the inn (Luke 2:7).

The Angel gave Good news of great joy that will be for all people (Luke 2:10).

The shepherds’ gifts were seeing, believing, and spreading the Good News.

Magi from the East saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, and of incense, and myrrh (Matthew 1:10-11). They, also, gave obedience and courage by not returning to the jealous and evil King Herod.

Jesus is the Miracle. The virgin birth of our Savior bringing us gifts of forgiveness, love, salvation, restoration, and life everlasting.

The FIRST CHRISTMAS was ALL about gifts.

Thank You, Jesus, for the gift of YOU.

Claudia Jackson