Gifts to give!

As we approach Christmas 2018, it may help to pause for a moment to understand what this festival is all about. it is a given that we do not know when Jesus was born. Nevertheless, after 2,000 years of history, Christmas is as Christian a festival as we can find. Yet, what does it all mean in a world obsessed with lights, trees, Santa Claus and Jingle Bells. I think, this is really a time to remember a simple concept of that first Christmas. God gives so that we may give. The Magi brought gifts to Jesus and I suppose so did the shepherds. Different gifts but equally significant. The regal gifts of the magi would help sustain Jesus' family while in Egyptian exile. Perhaps a lamb from the shepherds enabled Mary and Joseph to offer the appropriate sacrifice for Jesus' purification ceremony. The Bible articulates this idea over and over--God gives so we may give. All the gifts in the world mean nothing this Christmas unless they make us givers. Gifts are for giving. Make this a giving Christmas. God bless us all!