The First Christmas Gift

On Sunday, Carson made a baby Jesus in a manger at church. Yesterday, he placed it under our Christmas tree along with the gifts that are awaiting delivery. When I first walked in the room and saw this sight, I caught my breath a little. Isn't that what Christ was for mankind? He was the first Christmas present ever given to a world that longed and needed a Savior. That gift came wrapped in soft, newborn flesh and was designed perfectly for our redemption. His purpose prepared. His future sealed- battered, bruised, and beaten - a sacrificial lamb for the sins of all. He was and is my Christmas gift.

This baby Jesus could easily get lost in the mass of gifts under the tree... It is a simple child's craft. Isn't that reflective of our world as well? Does the Christ child get lost in the mix of "holiday things"? May it not be, Father; let the sight of this precious babe always stop me in my tracks and fill my heart with wonder and awe. The best Christmas gift we could ever choose to receive was the first ever given.

"IN THOSE days it occurred that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole Roman empire should be registered. This was the first enrollment, and it was made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all the people were going to be registered, each to his own city or town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the town of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, To be enrolled with Mary, his espoused (married) wife, who was about to become a mother. And while they were there, the time came for her delivery, And she gave birth to her Son, her Firstborn; and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room or place for them in the inn." (Luke 2:1-7 AMP)