This time of year often turns into a competition of buying the “best” gift or at least thinking we are.  Many beautifully wrapped packages appear beneath the tree, with anticipation running high and hopes building.  Unfortunately the focus of this most amazing season has taken a back seat to materialism and even though it’s meant as a means of sharing our love with someone, we have a gift that surpasses commercial items – toys, electronics, jewelry.  It is a gift that lasts a lifetime and beyond.  It’s one that can’t be returned.  It is given with no strings attached and it’s worth so much more than silver or gold.

Having been incapacitated for over a month, my gifts this Christmas will consist of many I.O.U.s,  I know those who know and love me, will understand, but I still have a wondrous gift I can share, even though I’m not the originator of the gift.  The greatest gift is Jesus, who left His life of power, honor and glory – was born to a virgin by the Holy Spirit – led a perfect life without sin – and gave His life so that we could become heirs of eternal life.  He then overcame the clutches of death and rose to life again and He will come again.  Oh, come Immanuel!

The merriment of Christmas, brings smiles to everyone,
But often we forget the joy of God’s own precious Son.
The packages are opened. The paper now is torn.
The ribbons lay upon the floor, expectation has been worn.
The wonderment of Christmas is over in a day,
But Christ, the Savior of the World, our sins for us did pay.

He walked among His people. He chose to do God’s will –
A perfect life He lived for us and took death’s bitter pill.
When all the joy of Christmas is packed and stored away,
The Light He came to bring us will live in us each day –
A light that can’t be hidden no matter how we try –
This light will last forever and we will never die.