The tradition of giving gifts on Christmas began with the three Wisemen, centuries ago…

     The Magi traveled far and wide, guided by a single star and their faith that God would lead them to the One who would bring grace and light to the world.  They gathered together the most precious elements of their day:  gold, frankincense, and myrrh, gifts worthy of a king.  They wanted to honor Jesus by humbling themselves before Him, just like Jesus would ultimately humble Himself by giving us the greatest gift: the gift of His own life.

     As we prepare to exchange presents this Christmas season, we should ask ourselves a few questions:  Have we allowed God to guide us to that place within people that allows them to bring grace and light into our worlds?  Have we gathered together the most precious elements of our day: kindness, patience, loyalty and love, gifts of the heart, the only gifts we could ever truly possess and give that are worthy of a king?  Do we honor those we love and serve by humbling ourselves before them, humbled by the fact that God has created kings in all of us, if we would only believe?

     In the midst of the shopping, wrapping, and unwrapping of presents, the greatest gift that we can give is the moment that we take to unwrap our own hearts, sincerely placing them at the feet of others.  It is the only way we can mirror the men of long ago, men who were wise enough to lay their gifts at the feet of a babe, born in a manger, in Bethlehem, long ago.

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