Best Gift Ever
The Best Gift Ever
What is your favorite Christmas gift from your childhood?
I remember the Christmas when I was 5 years old. I only wanted one thing. I really, really, really wanted it. It’s all I could think about – a blue cowgirl outfit.
My parents gave me that outfit for Christmas that year and I was so happy. Honestly, I don’t remember any other Christmas gift from my childhood although I know there were many. That blue cowgirl outfit is the one that stands out in my memory. I wish I had a photo of me in that outfit to share with you.
What is a special Christmas Blessing that you’ve had in the last two years?
Recently, at a Ladies’ Fellowship, we were asked to share a special Christmas Blessing from the last few years. Many mentioned gifts they had received, or gifts that they had given. Those gifts were special to them.
I know that I share two special blessings that year with the group – our move to Florida a couple years before then and the births of our two grandchildren. The move was a dream come true for us. And, our grandchildren are such wonderful gifts each and every day.
Many of us would include our spouse, the birth of our children and grandchildren as our greatest blessings. The newness of life is such a special time.
It reminds me of the Best Gift Ever
A miraculous gift that could only be given to us by God. God sent His only Son, Jesus, to be born as a baby, here on Earth, so many years ago.
The Bible tells the story of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:1-20
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
That night was extra special. Jesus’ birth had a purpose beyond that of any other child that has ever been born. Through Jesus’ birth, crucifixion and resurrection, God provided a way of salvation for each and every person to spend eternity with Him in Heaven.
This salvation was intended for each of us. It is God’s gift to us. What a precious gift.
It certainly is the Best Gift Ever!
This is not just a gift for Christmastime. It’s a gift for us all year through.
May we reflect upon this Best Gift Ever each and every day.
