Christmas Gifts

Have you found the perfect gift for everyone?

One woman went Christmas shopping with her two children. There were many hours of looking at row after row of toys, and everything else imaginable. And after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she was finally ready to leave the store.

As they headed toward the elevator, she was feeling what so many of us feel during the Christmas holiday. Overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every open house, taste all the holiday food and treats, and get that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.

Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the elevator. She pushed her way into the elevator and dragged her two kids in with her with all the bags of stuff.

When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot."

From the back of the elevator she heard a quiet calm voice respond, "Don't worry, we already crucified him."

Wow! In the midst of the craziness someone had her mind set on the reality of Christmas. The reality of baby Jesus in a manger, the Word made Flesh, the Word Incarnate. It’s not about the gifts under the tree, it’s not about the big dinner tonight! It’s about the gift of love, the gift of the Word made Flesh. The ultimate gift, a gift of forgiveness.