Last Minute Gift Ideas

On coming to the house, they (the magi) saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Matthew 2:11-12

 

It is a familiar story; these three wise guys arrive from somewhere far away and give Jesus and his family three gifts of overwhelming value.  You may have heard it so many times you don’t blink at the fact that a baby born to such humble means is given gifts that are typically reserved only for those of great influence and power.

 

As you read this you may be rushing to get your last Christmas gift for Grandma, or your Secret Santa at work.  I have an uncle and cousins who have a tradition of doing all of their shopping for their family bright and early Christmas Eve!!!  Maybe you are reading this as you run around scrambling to get ready for Christmas.  Each Christmas most of us share gifts with some number of people all around us.  You struggle to get just the right thing, that they will love.  You are always looking for that really thoughtful gift, something that is unique.

 

I love the Christmas carol, “Little Drummer Boy.”  The little boy in the song meets Jesus, and seeing all the valuable gifts being presented wonders what he could ever give to Jesus.  Then it dawns on him, I can play my drum for him, as best I can.  The song ends with Jesus smiling at the little boy playing his drums as best as he can.  I love the song because I often feel like the little drummer boy, wondering what could I ever give to God of any value? 

 

God, our Heavenly Father, has a simple wish list: time and a relationship with you.  God would love nothing more than to share a relationship with you, to talk with you, for you to read the Bible, serve others for Him, and for you to encourage others by using your gifts.  God wants to see your life transformed by His grace and love.  God wants to see your life look different today because you know Him.  It’s a simple gift, if you are still looking for gift ideas.  You can even take a few minutes right now to talk to God, say a prayer, and reconnect.

 

I pray that this is a wonderful and meaningful Christmas for you and your loved ones!!!  Merry Christmas!!

 

Pastor Bill