Matthew 2:11
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.
As we approach Christmas day, many people are scurrying about choosing gifts for loved ones and friends. Sadly, some will buy and give gifts out of a feeling of obligation. Those are the people you hear complaining about the Christmas season. They gripe about the shopping, the crowds, the expense of presents, the cooking, the cleaning, the entertaining, the decorating, etc, etc
If only people would stop long enough to feel the air entering their lungs, to savor the taste of food, to listen to the laughter of children, to enjoy being able to see the sparkle of colored lights. Why can't they? Maybe a good dose of It's a Wonderful Life would remedy their outlook. Better to learn to appreciate life by watching a movie than to experience what it is like to have life taken away.
I have been guilty plenty of times of complaining about things in my life. Yet I of all people should do nothing but rejoice. Death has come knocking at my door several times, but God has chosen for me to continue living. He has a purpose for my life, and to waste it on complaining would be an insult to Him. Oh, when I think about all the wonderful blessings He has given me! Gifts galore from my Father whom I adore! Each day of this blog I am attempting to share one of those gifts with you. Today, however, I'd like to share three. I figured that's appropriate since three gifts were given to Jesus by the wise men.
The three gifts I'd like to share with you are my children, Jennifer LeiAnn, Justin Timothy, and Ryan Charles. Each and every day I am thankful for those three gifts. Over the next three days, I will share how each of their lives were almost lost and how God chose instead to give them life. For today though, I want to share the most wonderful Christmas gift they ever gave me.
I remember we were living in Tallahassee, Fl, and we had no money for Christmas presents. I managed to scrape up a little to get them each something, but it wasn't much. I knew they would be okay with that because they were three of the most appreciative kids I'd ever known. In fact, their hearts were more concerned about blessing others than with receiving anything for their own selves. Of course, I encouraged their eagerness to donate canned goods, blankets, and old coats to charity, but I never imagined the act of kindness they were up to without my knowledge.
How they managed to keep it a secret from me all the way until Christmas morning I will never know! There was no secret to be had once the big moment came though. Their eyes said it all. "Merry Christmas Mommy!" they all shouted. In their hands was the most beautiful hand-made manger ever! Using materials they found around the yard, my wonderful children had built me a manger. I could not hold back the tears. It was magnificent!
I had been wanting a manger for a very long time, and they found a way to give me my heart's desire. They had no money to build it; they built it with love instead. That was 21 years ago, but I still have that manger. I will keep it until the day I die.
Ever since that day, I have seen Christmas differently. I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I love looking at the lights and baking delicious Kolachky! I love giving and receiving gifts...especially the kind that come from the heart, not from obligation. Most of all, I love thinking about and talking about the best gift of all - Jesus!
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