Gift Giving

When I was a child, I asked my father why we give gifts to each other on Christmas. His response was because it's Jesus' Birthday. We are to see Jesus in each other. And that's why we give gifts to each other on His Birthday, as we would to someone on their own birthday.

A nice simple sentiment to a child, and something I've treasured for decades now. But my understanding has grown since then.

First, while I still believe we should strive to see Christ in everyone we encounter, to see His Love in them and His Love FOR them in ourselves, I sincerely question if Jesus REALLY wants a diamond pendant or an X-Box for a birthday gift.

There are many other things I believe Christ treasures more:

• Our time listening to His voice in our hearts AND listening to those who need an ear;
• Our helping hand whether it be at a shelter or shoveling snow from a neighbor's walk;
• Our gifts from our surplus, ranging from clothing drives, food banks, and book drops, to our spare time, such as babysitting someone's kids so they can run to the market;
• Our talents, whatever they may be, to bring forth more beauty into this world; and
  
• Our Love - which can be shown and shared in so many countless ways

Second, as I stated in an earlier post, we don't know the date Yeshua/Jesus was born. While we celebrate His birth on December 25th - ANY day in the year could be the REAL anniversary of His birth.

Since we will never know if THIS day is His real birthday, why not try to give Him a birthday gift each and every day. It is a wondrous blessing if we can actually present our Savior with a birthday gift He treasures on His real birthday.

Whatsoever we do to/for another - especially the least - we do unto Him.

:D

-ESA