Posted: 22 December 2011

In Matthew 2:1-12 we are told, "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 0When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way."

Many people in the world today see this as just a mere story to be told at Christmas time, like the story of Santa Claus. They either do not know or want to know that this is no story. It is 100% Biblical fact. No matter what else anyone calls it, it is truth and nothing can change that truth. But no matter how many times it is told over and over again, the world sees it in a different light than those of us who are in Christ do. They see it as a reason to give presents to one another. The world gets caught up in this gift giving. They think that the bigger, the brighter, the more expensive the gift they give is, the better it makes them look. And in return, they expect to gets gifts of equal or greater value. They forget that all of these gifts, no matter what they are or their price, are just temporary, trivial, and petty, and really amount to nothing of any real importance or significance.. They have lost sight of the most important gift ever given. It is bigger and brighter than any gift they have ever given or can expect to receive. This gift is priceless and no amount of money, gems, or other valuables can purchase it. It is a gift from the ultimate gift giver, God Himself. This gift was the birth of His Son Jesus Christ.

This gift, which was first given over 2,000 year ago, is the gift that continually gives and never grows old or outdated. As Christians, it is our duty to share this gift with others. Each day we see the world going a little more insane, a little more darker. A majority of the people are so lost and consumed by this darkness that they have no idea where to turn for help. That is why we must continually strive to share the gift of Christ and what He has done for us with all we come into contact with. By doing this we are doing our part, we are sharing this gift and bringing the light of Christ into the dark world of those who are lost. Then they in turn will do the same, ensuring that the gift will continue to grow and spread. Christ Himself tells us, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" (Matthew 28:19) and "…Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15).

Christ said it, so let's do it. Let's set an example to a lost and dark world and show what real gift giving is all about. Let's with them the best gift that anyone can ever receive, the gift of eternal life through faith in Christ.

May God watch over and bless each and every one of you this Christmas season and throughout the year.