THE GIFT OF GOD

Today we rejoice. God has become one of us. He is born as a child so that we could be born into and share God’s own life. God’s love greets us today in a new way. It is a gift freely given. If we accept this gift, we become children of God, members of the divine family like all those who participated in the first Christmas.

Gifts at Christmas mark the occasion of the birth of Jesus, communicating a bit of the joy of the day by allowing us to be both giver and receiver. Gift-giving sets aside the day as special and different. The special foods, customs, decorations, and gifts all help focus our attention on the importance and meaning of the day and at the same time allow us to share personally in its joy and happiness.

In giving gifts we can share in the meaning of Christmas in a significant way. We imitate God in sharing with others. We give a bit of ourselves to others in the gifts we give, just as God gives us the gift of His Son.

A Christmas card describes the meaning of Christmas:

The meaning of Christmas is always emerging The one who was born on that day

To bring forth the message of peace and good will And show He is the Truth and the Way.

The meaning of Christmas is sharing and caring And living in love all year through,

It’s showing forgiveness and helping each other With Kindness in all that we do.

It’s blessing the lives of the strangers we meet As well as the ones we hold dear –

And these are the reasons the meaning of Christmas Is meant for each day of the year.

May God bless you and your families during this most holy season of God’s love. May God bring you blessings of peace, hope, and joy in the New Year.