Christmas: The Gift

Knock, knock! Who’s there? Wayne! Wayne who? A Wayne in a manger.

Knock, knock! Who’s there? Hanna! Hanna who? Hanna partridge in a pear tree!

Knock, knock! Who’s there? Doughnut! Doughnut who? Do not open until Christmas Day!

Who thinks I like Christmas? Oh yes.

Who thinks I LOVE Christmas? Oh yes. I really do.

I love the presents; giving and receiving gifts, laughter, smiles and (if my Mother-in-law is listening) hopefully seven new pairs of socks! Christmas carols, cranberry sauce and the Chronicles of Narnia. Yes, I love it all; but every year I have to stop …think …and check. What am I celebrating at Christmas and what will I do about the Christmas gifts I’ve been given?

I wonder. Who is your favourite character in the Christmas Nativity story? Is it Mary or Joseph?

Is it Jesus? Is it a Wise Man? Is it the owner of the Inn where Jesus slept in a manger? Or is it a shepherd? Last year Joseph was my favourite character. This year it’s the shepherds – all of them; because ‘when they had seen Jesus they spread the word about him, and all who heard it were amazed’ (Luke 2:17-18).

Ladies if your other half gives you a top-notch present this Christmas will you be telling people about it? Photo, Facebook, friends hear about it! Men, I’m sure she always gives you an amazing gift; but will you tell your mates? I dare you to tell three blokes by Boxing Day how pleased you are with the gift she gives you!

Boys and girls, what do you say when you receive a gift? Yes, well done, I'm sure you'll say, "Thank you."

When he was much younger my son Matthew often said, “Thank you. Just what I always wanted”!

I love saying, “Thank you” to God for the gift of Jesus - especially at Christmas, and I want to tell everyone - because the gift of Jesus is just what I always wanted; and just what I always needed!

How about you?