“…and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts.”
(Matt 2:11)

Greetings and blessings to the Household of Faith! In a couple of weeks we will be celebrating Christmas, and the tradition for celebration has always been to exchange gifts with friends and loved ones. Little children will go to sleep on Christmas Eve with great anticipation of waking to wrapped gifts under the tree, hoping that their lists of desire will be fulfilled. Others will be giving presents to family members and friends, praying they will be pleased with their choice. But when did gift giving begin?
We learn from the scriptures that wise men from the east were given a revelation that a king had been born, and being guided by a heavenly star, they were directed to Jesus Christ! After traveling a long distance the wise men finally came to the place. “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts.” (Matt 2:11) So Jesus Christ, because of his status as a king, was the first recipient of gifts for what we now celebrate as Christmas.
I’m challenging you to “Give Christ a Gift.” Well, you may ask can we give Jesus a gift? Are you referring to the scripture that we should give ourselves as a gift? “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God…” (Romans 12:1) While that is true, that’s not what I’m referring to. I’m suggesting that you actually give a gift to Jesus Christ!
I’m sure you may still be asking, but how? Jesus explains how you can give him a gift in the 25th chapter of St. Matthew. He indicates that, when the Son of Man returns and gives the reward to the faithful… ‘Those that clothed Him when He was naked, fed Him when He was hungry, and visited Him when He was sick.’ They too were puzzled and said, “… Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?” And the Lord responded, “…Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matt 25:37,40) That’s right! When you give to someone less fortunate, with no expectation of receiving something in return, you are Giving a Gift to Christ!
This Christmas make it your goal to “Give Christ a Gift” by giving to someone in need. In addition, we’re asking that you bring items this week for our upcoming “Celebrate the Giving!” that will be held December 17th & 18th. This is the real reason for the season! Be blessed and remember, God said this is “The Year of Happy!”
Pastor A. Glenn Brady