By Gina Caswell Kelly
I really love the Christmas season. It just seems as though everyone is in a better mood and ready to do for others. There are so many opportunities for giving to others around this time. Locally, of course we have Goodfellows. This is a group that makes sure all the local families in need have food and gifts. There are other ways to give, as well. The nursing homes always need someone to provide for the residents. Hospitals many times need gifts to make the pediatric unit a happier place. Of course, our churches also provide us with ways to minister to others through our gifts. It is just such a special time!
But why do we look at the Christmas season as the giving time of year? It is honestly not about Santa, or what might have our name on it under the tree. Christmas is the giving season because of the great gift that was given for us so many years ago.
What a gift it was to Mary! In her wildest dreams, she never ever once thought she might be the mother of the Savior. In spite of what ridicule she might have had to endure, it was a great gift for her. What a gift it was for Joseph! He was destined to be the earthly father of Jesus. The one tasked with teaching Him so many things He would need to know. Teaching Him what it meant to be a man.
And how about the shepherds? What a special evening it was for them. They were just minding their own business, out watching the sheep and suddenly there were all these angels and all this singing! They were led to the stable to see the newborn Savior. No, they did not totally understand it all, but they did know something special had happened. A gift like no other. There were so many players that night that had the greatest experience of their lives. But none of them really knew how special a gift the were receiving.
The fact is, the gift that this baby was to the world, was not recognized for many years. But, today we recognize this gift as the greatest gift the world has ever been given. The gift that will never be topped. The gift that is available to anyone and everyone who chooses to believe.
So, have you accepted this gift of the Savior of the world? Have you accepted His promise of eternal life? His promise that He will always be with us, no matter what we go through in this live. His promise to hold us tightly in His hand until that day He opens that great hand in heaven and we will live with Him forever and ever and ever!! Oh accept this gift! It will make a difference!