A Christmas Reminder

21 Dec A Christmas Reminder

Read John 15:9-17
Thought for the Day: Love is why we celebrate Christmas!

O’Henry’s beloved 20th Century Christmas story, “The Gift of the Magi” reminds us that the best gifts are rooted in sacrificial love. O’Henry introduces us to a young couple (Della and Jim). They are facing the pressure of last-minute Christmas shopping. This humble couple has few material possessions. Jim has little to his name other than a gold watch while Della has long, beautiful hair. With no other option left to buy a gift for his wife, Jim sells his gold watch to buy Della the perfect gift: an ornate hair comb. Unbeknownst to Jim, Della does the same, selling her hair to a wigmaker to get Jim a platinum watch chain. When the couple sits down to exchange gifts, each is overwhelmed by the sacrifice of the other.

Jesus told His disciples, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.” When Jesus arrived as a Baby, He came because of God’s love for everyone. The Gospel is about receiving God’s love and sharing it with others. Just as Jim and Della learned, the greatest gift is to love unconditionally… with no expectation of getting something in return.

This Christmas, we may give memorable or forgettable gifts… but that’s not what matters. We may find ourselves cooking the perfect Christmas prime rib or defrosting a microwaveable dinner… but neither of those matter either. Christmas is a time to give thanks to God for sending Jesus. It is a time to remember to stay grounded as we share His love with others.

In Christ,
Pastors Stan and David

*If you haven’t read “The Gift of the Magi” before, click HERE to read it. It’s Pastor David’s favorite Christmas story.