Grace 4

Matthew 1:22-23

For me one of the best parts of Christmas is the celebrations that go on over the holidays. I love to get together with family and have those times of frivolity and games, of laughter, good food, and companionship. It is good to catch up with distant kin and old friends.

But in time the holiday must end and we must face the bleak cold of winter that still remains. We must return to our homes and say good-bye to friends and family until the holidays come around again.

We can often take the same approach to the meaning of Christmas. Once everything is put away, all the gifts have been opened and the wrapping paper and boxes cleaned up, we can forget about the holiday. But the gift of Jesus is an eternal gift. What was prophesied? What title was to be given to the child?

An angel informed Mary and Joseph that they would be parents. Mary would give birth to a child. And this alone would be reason enough to celebrate. They could look forward to the many years of watching the child grow to manhood, the many years of his struggles and success as a person.

But they also had more reason to celebrate. This was no ordinary child. He was God in human form. He was to be called “Immanuel.” He was God living among us. And that would never end.

As we say good-bye to the holidays this year let us remember that the love of God does not go away when the decorations come down. Jesus is God with us, not just then, but now and forever. The gift of God’s grace is an eternal and everlasting gift. God is with us always.

As we enjoy the Christmas season this year let us keep the memory of this gift alive in our hearts at all times. Let us forever remember that God is with us, not just in the laughter and happiness of the day, but in the love that surrounds us every day.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can remind you that God is with you always?

Give 2

Matthew 1:22-23

Some of the best gifts we have given our children in the past and still today are those gifts we call “family gifts.” These are presents that are not to a specific individual, but are meant to be shared by all of us. Gifts such as games and decorations are meant to involve all of us, requiring that we enjoy them together. The present that is given is more than just the item, it is also the gift of shared time together.

Continuing in Matthew we see an explanation of what the angel was telling Joseph about the baby who would be born. Why would this birth take place? What was the prophecy? What does “Immanuel” mean?

It is difficult for me to get through the Christmas season without tears in my eyes every time I read Matthew 1:23. God with us. The gift of Jesus is the gift of God being present with us, and not just 2,000 years ago and not just in Israel.

The gift of Jesus is the gift of God’s presence with each one of us every day no matter where we are or what we are doing. What an incredible and personal gift that is.

It seems so often that presents exchanged at the holidays are an attempt to satisfy the recipient, to make them happy if only for a brief time, and then send them on their way. But the gift that started the whole Christmas tradition, the whole Christmas celebration, was a gift that lasted forever. It was a gift of presence that cannot be taken away.

As we give presents this year we need to remember to also give our presence. Give of yourself, give of your time, give your attention. Don’t let the rush and chaos of the celebration steal the love that is meant to be shared.

Let every present you give be accompanied with the gift of your attention and honest feelings. Let the greatest gift you give be a gift of love and caring for those you know and those you don’t.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you add to your gift list? Can you add the gift of your time together with loved ones? Can you give a gift of love to strangers?