“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: And when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”
St. Matthew 2:11

It has been from the first Christmas, customary to celebrate the birth of our Lord in bringing, and giving gifts. Wise men who were anxious to find the Christ child, traveled a great distance and even jeopardized their lives in order to see and worship the one who was born king of the Jews: And showed their honor by bringing special gifts to the Christ child.
We have perhaps allowed our devotion to Christ to be misconstrued by giving gifts to one another and not as much to the worship of God’s son. I believe the spirit of Christmas is the spirit of giving: And as we bless one another we are also blessing the name of Jesus. Even Jesus said, in as much as you have done it to the least of these, in my name, you have done it unto me.
I pray that God’s gift lives in your heart as we celebrate the Christmas season. After all, love is the greatest gift; for God is Love.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Love, Pastor Larry