And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God jin the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:8-14 ESV).
Every Christmas season for the past eighteen years we have had the privilege of watching our oldest grandchildren open their Christmas gifts. It has become a family tradition. As other grandchildren were born their presence at Christmas only added more wonder to the experience. In 2016 we were surprised with a white Christmas that put our wonder over the top. Of course, each year it’s a delight to see their anticipation as they tear wrapping paper away and then see a gift they wanted but had not expected.
With Christmas this year just a week away it is important to realize that whatever gifts we give or receive, none comes close to the gift God gave us on the first Christmas Day, some 2,000 years ago, the gift of his Son, the Lord Jesus. It’s a gift too wonderful for words.
God’s gift to us is the most costly gift ever. It’s the gift not only of the birth but also of the death of his Son, our Lord Jesus. It’s a gift we don’t own, because we belong to him, and we can’t keep this gift for ourselves. Most important, Jesus is the gift that each one of us needs desperately. Without him there is no hope, no life, no future.
God’s gift to us on that first Christmas calls us to celebrate and worship. As the days draw fewer to your celebration this year, my prayer is that you will receive a renewed sense of this great gift of grace and life. Celebrate Jesus with your family and friends with wonder. For this is the day when God was pleased with men!