Christmas is a frenzy of gift-giving. We anticipate this season for months, compiling lists, checking sale papers, dropping hints on our Amazon wish list. Stores try to anticipate the hottest electronics and toys, stocking their shelves, enticing us with midnight doorbusters to feast ourselves on the à la carte buffet of new arrivals and old classics. We willingly subject ourselves to last-minute shopping, hours of research on the computer, standing in long lines and tolerating disgruntled employees if it means snagging that perfect gift or that hard to find item that tops everyone’s must-have list. And as we sit on the floor with wrapping paper, tape, and scissors in hand, we anticipate the joy and excitement each present will bring to those we love as we carefully wrap it and place it under the Christmas tree.
The night that Jesus was born, the world received the most magnificent and significant gift of all. The Son of God came to earth, wrapped in strips of cloth, and given to humanity in an extravagant gesture of love. God in the flesh came near to us, bent low, and kissed us with His righteousness and peace. He gave Himself wholly to us, in a love that is absolutely unstinting and infinitely lavish.
The birth of Jesus was a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy – Immanuel, God with us. It was more than the Word of God becoming flesh and making His dwelling among us; it was the selfless gift of His presence. God was tangible, accessible, available. He didn’t love us from a distance, but showed up in the most intimate of ways. He came to pitch His tent among us, to sojourn with us, to invest in us, to offer up His life for us; giving us the gift of His undivided attention and time. He bridged the gap between God and man, proving that God is not far from us, but is present with us, lives among us, and loves us unreservedly.
Through the wonder and mystery of the incarnation, the Word did not become a philosophy, a theory, or a concept to be debated. But the Word became a person to be followed, enjoyed, and loved. This Christmas season, as we pass out the presents, let us not forget the greatest gift of all – heralded by the angels and given for the entire world: Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord! Have a blessed Christmas!