This past Sunday my Pastor asked a very profound question.

“Have you ever gone to a birthday party and instead of giving the guest of honor, the person with the Birthday, all the gifts, you exchanged gifts amongst the party goers instead?”

WHOA! Hold it right there! Who, in their right mind would do that? Do you know where this is going?

When you think about it, seems this is a tradition we practice every year at Christmas time. As I gave this question more thought, I definitely felt convicted. I realized how my past celebrations for the coming of Christ involved the goal and theme of me feeling better.

Of course, we understand that giving gifts to others at Christmas is a metaphor in the celebration of thanks to God for the Gift of Jesus. Right?

Did You Forget?

The Three Kings are the leaders of giving gifts in honor of Jesus’ birth. First off, there were 3 Kings. The 3 represents The Father, Son and Holy Ghost. The Kings represent Jesus as of the most-highest. Earthly speaking, at that time there was no rank any higher than a King. Very important people of the highest importance in the land sometimes even known as lord took on the task themselves to be witness of the birth of Christ and present gifts. They did not send a messenger. They went themselves. They didn’t just give a gift; they gave a big give of their time. The gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh were given too Jesus for Jesus. The gifts were of the highest value of any modern-day available resource. Most importantly, each gift has spiritual significance behind it.

Divine Prophetic Inspiration is the Story

Don’t forget!

Why then would we go around giving each other gifts in the name of Jesus and not actually give a gift to Jesus? When I reflect on how we celebrate Christmas, the first thing that comes to mind is family and friends. That is who most of us aspire to be with at Christmas time. I like to think, that inside of all our celebrations and gift giving activities we are giving gifts to others in the name of Jesus. Here is what that looks like to me.

• Family
  • I like to think that your elder family played a part in you finding Jesus. I like to think they took actions that had impact on you. I like to think they were even more direct and took you to church or shared the bible with you. I like to think they were representable of the character of Jesus.
  • Maybe you showed your brother or sister later in life the church you attend. Maybe you lifted up a broken parent that couldn’t show you Jesus, but now you can. Maybe you blessed your children with a living space of peace that had a focus on team building (Disciples) and Jesus.
  • The love of your wife is your inspiration as she stood by you for better or worse. The love of your wife may not be the direct source you would quote for how you found Jesus, but without her love how could you have found Jesus? The love of your wife represents Jesus. She has been there as your Rock in the journey as you grow together and lead each other to Jesus.
• Friends
  • Do you have a brilliant friend? Do you have a friend in Christ? Do you have a friend who stood by you during thick or thin? Do you have a friend who watered your garden and helped you find Jesus? Do you have friend who carried your burdens and helped you out of the pit?
  • But a friend showed up for me. But a friend got me out of a jam. But a friend suggested I build structures within me to be more like Jesus.
  • Close personal friends share with you their own troubles and how they navigated them. Close personal friends gave you their experience strength and hope as an example of what to do or what not to do.

What would you give to the person(s) who helped you find Jesus?

The way I see it, there is no gift of any kind that you can give to someone at Christmas any BIGGER THAN LOVE!  Love is the answer to the boggles of Christmas when we feel overwhelmed. When we see people “celebrating” Christmas without Christ. Love is the answer on how to get out of self and GIVE to Jesus. When you give the Gift of LOVE to your wife, your children, your direct and extended family, your friends and brothers and sisters in Christ, you are GIVING JESUS to that person.

LOVE IS THE BIGGEST GIFT WE CAN GIVE TO OUR JESUS.

Oddly enough, we do this by giving gifts to others at Christmas time.

DON’T FORGET, DON’T MISS THE BOAT!