Giving of Gifts

The tradition of giving gifts at Christmas has roots that go back as far as the Nativity story, where the three Wise Men gave gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus.  All over the world, families and friends give gifts to one another. It’s a special time of the year when we acknowledge those we love with a gift.

Ever since I was a young child, I loved Christmas morning. I couldn’t wait to get up, get out to the tree and tear into the gifts under the tree marked “Nancy.” When it was all over, there was kind of a mini-let down. Even as a child, I remember that feeling of….. is that all?

Well, that isn’t all. All these years later, I now know that isn’t all there is! There’s so much more to the story of gift giving! In Matthew 2:10-11 we read:

“When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”

Giving gifts to one another is a way of celebrating the greatest gift exchange of all of creation- that God came to earth as a baby, lived a perfect life, suffered death and exchanged our condemnation for his mercy, grace and forgiveness.

Since it’s Jesus’ birthday, what would be the greatest gift you could give Him? Welcome Him today. Allow His centering peace to guide you through the ups and downs of the holidays. Welcome Him into the things you have zero control over. Receive his unconditional love. Welcome His grace amidst your constant attempts toward doing good. Welcome Him into your brokenness and weaknesses. Welcome Him into your fears and joys. Welcome into your deepest longings and lingering pain. Guess what? God wants ALL of you. He loves you more than you can imagine. Don’t leave Him out this Christmas.  He is THE gift. Merry Christmas!

“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given….” Isaiah 9:6-7

“The giving of gifts is not something man invented. God started the giving spree when He gave a gift beyond words, the unspeakable gift of His Son.” Robert Flatt

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.