Gifts-

This is certainly the biggest time of year for gifts. The Christmas holiday season seems to be surrounded by the notion of 'giving' some sort of gift. And of course over the years the gifts have become more and more materialistic. As humans we tend to evolve into 'more and more' and in the gift giving department that is certainly true. The first gifts were supposed to be symbolic gifts that the Magi gave to the Christ Child. We are supposed to emulate that every year, but it has kind of gotten out of hand, at least to my way of thinking.

The Christmas holidays of one hundred years ago were certainly different from modern times, I'm sure. There was no choice to but to make them very personal and 'home made'. There were almost no other alternatives, so people made the holiday themselves. Everything from the decorations they chose to decorate their homes with to the gifts they made, and the food that was prepared and spread out for their families. Everything was more important then, as it took a lot of time to make gifts and to put together the makings of a great feast. These days it's all about the 'instant' of anything.

We can shop online and have something delivered to our friends and family within 24 hours, and we can even get gift cards to give on our way to a friend's holiday party. Food- it doesn't have to have much thought put into it. That is another stop on the way home from work. Instant, and not much work. And sure, it's nice and it's filling, but it's not very special. Not what this holiday truly commands.

So, with all of this 'quickness' in our lives where does the feeling and thought come into our gift giving? Do people ever take the time to really find just the perfect gift to give, then anticipate the giving? Do you remember finding that great gift and really being excited about giving it? Do you remember hoping that the lucky person who was going to receive your well thought intentions really loved what you found? I certainly do. And I have been on both sides of that experience.

When I was ten years old I got a ten-speed bicycle. I couldn't believe it was under the tree, I was so excited to get it. I thanked my mom and dad, only to be told that they didn't have anything to do with it. My older brother had worked an after school job so I could have that bike that Christmas. I couldn't believe it, and even today that gift given from my brother's heart is my absolute favorite gift ever given to me. I feel so very lucky to have felt my brother's love back then.

I have also given many gifts that I hoped would please. I would buy things for my kids, early in the season, and wrap them and place them under the tree. As it got closer to Christmas Day, and I thought about what was waiting under the tree, I got more and more excited for Christmas morning. Not so I could get anything myself- nothing except the look of joy and happiness on my children's faces as they saw the presents that 'Santa' had left for them under the Christmas tree. I hope that as my children get older they are going to be anxious to experience this kind of gift giving, too. It really is 'more blessed to give than to receive'.

So, what about the ultimate gift this season? Is it really a new Maserati or great diamond bracelet? Um, I don't think so. I don't have a Maserati in my driveway, and my diamond bracelet is nice, but it doesn't bring me the happiness that I thought I would get by owning it. What kind of gift would I love to receive this Christmas? I already have it, and am reminded of it by the holiday itself. I have the gift of God's love; embodied in the form of a tiny baby born on this most holy of nights. The absolute ultimate gift- "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son." There is no better gift than to be reminded that I am loved. The kind of love that is perfection in and of itself. It can't be bested. No matter how hard we humans may try, it just won't ever be any better than it is right now, at this moment; 12:07 am, December 25, 2008. Merry Christmas to all. I wish you all Peace, Love, and the many Blessings of this most joyous of seasons.