THE CHRISTMAS GIFT

 

THE CHRISTMAS GIFT

On that special day that the promised Messiah (baby Jesus) was born,

Joseph and Mary had previously arrived in Bethlehem.

Due to emperor's decree, with taxpayers the town was crowded,

so all the inns or dwellings or places to stay overnight were filled.

The only place lodging was available

for them to spend the night was in a stable.

It came to pass while they were there

in the stable that animals shared

that baby Jesus was born.

His crib was a manger loaned.

Borrowed from animals so kind

that they had used to eat and dine.

Meanwhile shepherds around the firelight

keeping watch over their sheep that cold, dark night

saw an angel appear in bright light.

They were afraid when they saw that sight.

“Do not be afraid,” the angel said,

I'm bringing tidings of joy, instead.

“Today your Savior has been born.

His name is Jesus Christ the Lord."

You'll find the baby in a manger.

Shepherds, go now, don't be a stranger.

Then many more angels appeared praising God.

Singing, “Gloria in Excelsis Deo.”

Which means “Glory to God in the Highest.”

For with God you will find peace, joy, and rest.

After the angels returned to heaven,

the shepherds said to one another, “Men,

let us go and see what the angel told us,”

for they knew in his words they could surely trust.

The shepherds did not wait, with much haste they hurried.

Just as the angel said, they found baby Jesus.

They told others what they had seen and heard

and today that news is passed down to us.

The shepherds gave testimony of God's good news.

Good news now available to me and you.

Wise men had heard about a new king's birth.

They began their search for Him on the earth.

Lead by a bright shining star

they traveled eastward from afar.

Persistent in their quest to meet this king,

they plodded along with gifts to bring.

Herod, the king, didn't like this new news borne

and asked, “Where was this new King to be born?”

His council advised, “Bethlehem, for certain,

according to what the prophet had written.”

Herod sent the wise men to Bethlehem to find the child.

Atop of humped camels they rode mile after mile.

The brightest star guided them on their way

until it stopped over the place where Jesus stayed.

They found the young child-King with Mary, His mother,

and at once fell down to worship Him, Jesus, the Savior.

Gifts were given to the young King.

Treasures that the wise men did bring.

Gold and frankincense and myrrh were presented to the Lord.

Causing us to ask, “What can I bring Him, my God and Lord?”

“What shall I bring to the Lord, the God of heaven,

when I come to worship Him?” Micah (6:6) had spoken.

A question at Christmas to ask ourselves: “What can I bring?

What would He desire from me, He who has everything?”

* * * * *

What can you and I bring

to Him who owns everything?

First of all, our commitment of faith

when we accept His amazing grace.

Also, our daily surrender to God to transform our mindset

into His image – for our good and His glory; His best.

These are gifts God desires - our heart foremost,

and to allow God's Word to be our guidepost.

Everyday is Christmas in our heart

when Jesus Christ is a part

of our daily thoughts,

actions, and words.

The prophet Micah states: act justly, love mercy, walk humbly.

Three acts of heart-felt obedience that will magnify

Christ as Lord of your life; displaying Christmas in your heart

each day of the year. Let's keep Christmas' joy and peace in our hearts.

With what shall I come before the Lord

and bow down before the exalted God?...

He has showed me, O man, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:6, 8

Stop doing wrong, learn to do right!

Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.

Isaiah 1:17

An upright man gives thought to his ways.

Proverbs 21:29

Each one should test his own actions.

Galatians 6:4

Pleasant words are a honeycomb,

sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Proverbs 16:24

May the words of my mouth

and the mediation of my heart

be pleasing in your sight,

O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19:14