"These gifts are quite dazzling" says the busty Martha May Whovier. Suddenly, the tension is broken by the grating sound of a crusty fingernail stripping against the shiny finish of the new car. Now with everyone's attention, the bitter Grinch replies, "Of course, they are. That's what it's all about isn't it? That's what it's always been about! Gifts...gifts...gifts, gifts, gifts, gifts, gifts, gifts!" With my first Christmas Eve home having begun just six minutes ago, I sit here and contemplate those words of the Mean One. Though said in cynical criticism (or critical cynicism, whichever you prefer), I believe there is some truth to those words. Indeed, why is it that gifts are such a central part of the Christmas season? Many of the traditions vary. Some gather at large parties on Christmas Eve, while others stay at home, comfortable being with just their own family. Some have massive feasts following Christmas morn, while others, not wanting anyone overburdened with the task of a such a meal, settle for something much simpler. There are some families that always give their children pajamas as their first gift just before bed on Christmas Eve, and others don't. Some make wassail, and others don't. Some even leave home completely, and use the holiday season as a time for a family vacation. Yet, though each have their own traditions, unique or otherwise, there is one that seems almost universal: The giving of gifts. Be they expensive and extravagant, or meager and modest, gifts are the one constant in all of our traditions. We give gifts to family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, fellow churchgoers, teachers, employers, and the list continues. Even in families unable to provide gifts to their children, there is the hope of gifts. Some of the largest charity efforts during the holidays strive to ensure that every child will at least one special gift on Christmas Day. Why all this emphasis on gifts? If you were to ask what the first gifts of Christmas were, many would say what they've learned since they were a child: frankincense, gold, and myrrh, brought by the wise men of the East to the Holy Infant. Had you asked me that question a few years ago, I may have given the same response. Now, however, I see that the question is not what were the first gifts of Christmas, but rather, what was the first gift of Christmas. It wasn't anything you can put in a box. It wasn't anything you can get a discount on. In fact, it wasn't a thing at all. The reason behind gifts is the reason behind Christmas itself. The first gift of Christmas was given by a loving Father to His children, a gift that would change their lives forever. For without this gift, these children would never find their way home. Without this gift, they would never become more than what they were. Without this gift, there would never have been hope for them, and they would have wandered in darkness forever.
It truly was the greatest gift ever given - none can compare to it. Because of that gift, we are not lost or alone. Because of that gift, we are boundless and capable of an extraordinary potential. Because of that gift, we know how to live, how to love, and how to shine a light in a world full of darkness. Because of that gift, we can see our way home. Why gifts? Christmas started because of a gift, an Eternal Gift. In each unwrapped toy, in each filled stocking, and in each present we either give or receive, may we all remember what each and every one truly represents: the gift of our Lord Jesus Christ to us, from our Heavenly Father.
I know that Gift is real. I know that through that Gift, we can find true and lasting happiness. I know that Gift is the fount of any real love we ever experience and the source of all that is good and right in this world. I know that miracles happen, even today, by the power of that Gift. Above all, I know that He lives. He loves us, He believes in us, and He will never leave us. He lives, and that is worth everything.
Being the starving college student that I am, I felt saddened at my inability to give to many who I love and care for...I hope each of them (you know who you are) will receive this message of mine as the best gift I could possibly give, for it is by far my most valuable possession.
Merry Christmas!
From: Blake
