Christmas has become synonymous with gifts. The tradition of giving lots and lots of things to lots and lots of people is not an old tradition. In fact, it basically came about during the latter part of the nineteenth century and has slowly built over the years until now the gift buying, gift giving, gift obsessing begins before Halloween with stores decked out in both Halloween orange and black and Christmas red and green.
The concept of the gift of course is older than this. There is the actual reason for Christmas which was the gift of the savior to all mankind. That is what the day "Christmas" commemorates although it is unlikely that the birth took place in December. The other old reason for the giving tradition was the example of the Magi when they gave their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ child.
Unfortunately, most of the gift giving mania has little to do with either of the original gifts. Perhaps there are other gift that are not bought in stores or ordered on line which have a deeper meaning for all of us. As I mused over the miles yesterday returning from South Carolina to Florida, I thought of some of the wonderful gifts I have received in my life.
God gave me the gift of parents who always tried to do their best for me. He gave me parents who could laugh and who were not afraid of work. He gave me, all these years, the necessities of life and many joys.
He gave me salvation and a relationship with him that I need to unwrap and treasure every day.
He gave me a husband who loves me and two wonderful sons. He gave me daughters in law who love their husbands and fit into our family. He gave me two beautiful grand daughters to love, cherish, and watch grow as they discover the beauties of life.
He gave me a niece and a nephew whom I love and treasure. He gave me a niece-in-law whom I think of as my own. He gave me two bright nephews who give me the treasure of laughter and love.
He gave me a circle of Christian friends who encourage me and help keep me straight when I slip into self-centeredness.
He gave me a church that nurtures me and challenges me to serve.
He gave me a home with heat, running water, and electricity....all things that would have been unheard of two hundred years ago!
He gave me a country that even with its problems is still the best one in the world to live in.
He gave me challenges and difficulties which are gifts that teach us balance, tolerance, humility and patience.
He gave me peace, joy, and hope to know that everything is in His hands.
He gave me curiosity and a mind that enjoys exploring and learning.
He gave me this year a chance to see the glaciers of Alaska, the mountain peaks of the Yukon, the waterfalls along the Cumberland Plateau, the dusting of snow in the Appalachia's, a sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico, a cardinal landing on my frozen water feature, the lunar eclipse over my house, and more beauty than I can remember.
My Christmas gifts have been given all through my life. Yes, it will be fun to open a few packages from people who love me, but my deepest joys are in these gifts which have enriched my life.
2011 will be full of gifts. I just know it will. What is wonderful is that no one has to take paper, tape, and ribbon to wrap them. They will be wrapped in the living of each day.
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