A birthday is a time for giving. We take, or send, presents to the person whose special day it is. However, if we’re honest, we already realise that the person we are giving the present to is far more precious, a far greater gift, than the item we have spent so much time carefully wrapping in coloured paper and tinsel. By offering a present, we’re actually expressing how much we value the gift of LIFE, whether that be the life of a pure, new-born child or a life full of years and shared memories.

And so it is with Christmas. Life in Jesus has come into the world. Life of the Saviour has come FOR the world. Life in all its fullness has arrived in the form of a tiny child. The wonder of Christmas is that all of that can be held in a young mother’s arms.

On Christmas Day we worship this baby, with our presents of love, time, talents, dedication and commitment. We reflect upon what we can do better to serve our neighbours and live a Christ-centred life. These are our gifts, the best we can offer, and God honours them because they are offered in love.

But just look at what we receive from him! Free and full salvation, the fruit of his Spirit, love, joy, peace… and LIFE - real, everlasting life! God in his magnificent humility has tipped the scales heavily in our favour! It’s generosity on a divine scale and it increases the more we put God’s gifts to work in our own lives.

Christmas is, of course, a time for giving, but let’s not forget who gave the most and who continues to give, even when we move on from Christmas and slip back into our own obsessions. Perhaps, what we need to do more than anything this Christmas, is pray for grace to give God the best Christmas present we can offer, our lives in his service.

Happy Christmas one and all!

Christian