Christmas is a wonderful time of the year, and yet it is also a season that seems increasingly commercialised by retailers, and accompanied by decorations that glitter, and packages that shine. For this reason it is difficult not to be cynical of the pressure to buy the bling, and perhaps the giving can be a little half hearted at times. However, when we step back from all that, and look again to the true meaning, we see the passionate journey of three wise men bringing gifts for royalty, others offer extravagant worship to the Babe in a stable, and, centrally, the ultimate gifts is indeed that by Almighty God…of His only begotten Son.
So giving is part of Christmas, and not just any gift, rather one that honours Immanuel, and the gift of Christmas. So it seems our challenge is to give to others as if to the Lord, by seeking to give treasures from heart, maybe not always of gold and rare oils, but certainly with the desire of honouring our King of kings.
When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
(Matthew 2:9-11)
And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
(Matthew 25:40)
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
(Colossians 3:23-24)
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