The Best Gift

'The giving of gifts is not something man invented. God started the giving spree when he gave a gift beyond words, the unspeakable gift of His Son." ~ Robert Flatt

I did some more shopping this morning, then came home to go back through my lists, checking to see what more there is to do. Christmas is less than 2 weeks away and I'm starting to feel slightly stressed about getting it all done. In my mind, I was frustrated over what is still undone -- until I remembered what it's really all about.

It's not about finding the perfect present. In fact, it's not really about the presents at all. It's not about the lights, or the buying. It's about love. It's about sharing. It's about kindness and friendship. It's about Jesus, that baby in the manger, literally the greatest gift ever given.

My thoughts slowed me down. There's still a lot to do, but now I'm thinking of the poem by Christina Rosetti -- "What can I give Him? I give Him my heart." And that's what I can give my loved ones and friends. My heart. Sure, I will give them the gift I picked out, bought and paid for, but mostly what I want them to know is how much they are loved, and how important they are in my life.

Jesus was the perfect example. He was a teacher, a doer of loving deeds, and a friend. That's what I want to be to my loved ones.

And that's what I want them to receive this year, along with their gift. The knowledge of that love and the remembrance and gratitude for that miraculous birth and life, so long ago.

That's Christmas.