The Gift

In the Christmas season, more than any other, we strive to find the perfect gift for those we love.  We wish we could find that one thing that would bring utter joy and delight, something that would never be forgotten. 

Everyone has his or her own way of shopping.  Some stay in the Christmas mindset all year, finding gifts in April or June that they tuck away until December.  Others are all about finding the best deals.  There are those who actually enjoy the competitive shopping of Black Friday, while others avoid the crowds by sticking to the internet.  Many now utilize wish lists, which fairly guarantees that the “right” gift was purchased.  I still prefer surprises.  But that can be a tall order every time. 

This year, we did manage one surprise that turned out to be truly delightful.  We refinished my daughter’s great grandmother’s piano for her family to enjoy.  Hearing their squeals and seeing the joy in their eyes and Granny’s piano back in service was a gift back to us.  But that was a rare opportunity. 

Not many of the gifts that are given really last or remain etched in our minds.  The movies and games, toys and trinkets, gadgets and gizmos while always appreciated tend to fade with time.  What are the gifts that last, that endure, that can make a difference?  What gifts are bigger than the boxes we wrap them in?

It all starts with what Christmas is all about, the gift of our Savior.  God gave up His eternal companionship with His Son for Him to be born of, live among, and die for mankind. 

John 1:1-5  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  In him was life, and that life was the light of men.  The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.”

Isaiah 9:6  “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

Philippians 2:4-7  “ Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”

So what are the gifts that cannot be wrapped in pretty paper and ribbons?  The gift of time.  The gift of kindness.  The gifts of love, laughter, forgiveness, humility, patience, and service.  The gift of a smile, a thoughtful word, a tender touch, a knowing look. 

I’m sure that my husband would have enjoyed something other than spending two days in the kitchen with me, but he chose to devote his time to chopping, measuring, shaping, and dipping Christmas goodies and preparing recipes to share with family and friends because he loves me and wanted to give the gift of time together. 

My daughter would probably prefer to play her new piano without interruption, but she will patiently share her knowledge and love of music with her child so that she can love it too.

My granddaughter probably won’t remember her first ride on a ferris wheel, but she will remember cooking with her Tadee, working in the yard, tickles and hugs in the morning, and prayers, stories, and songs at night. 

The two people who have been tested to see if they are a good match for my transplant have chosen to be available to give the gift of healthy cells, the gift of life, to someone they don’t even know.   (We’ll know more results next week.) 

We can focus on what we get or on what we give.  In reality, the gift of giving is the greatest gift you can give yourself.   In giving comes great rewards.   Spend time with people you love.  Enjoy a child.  Value your elders.  Listen to the stories of both.  Look for the beauty in each day, in each person. 

When the paper and bows are thrown away and the tinsel and trimmings are tucked back in their boxes, the gifts that will be remembered are the gifts of you.

Merry Christmas, and may you enjoy the gifts of one another in the New Year.