The Perfect Gift

     "I do not ask for lavish gifts, nor satin gowns to wear;
I have no need for jeweled combs or flowers in my hair.
      I only ask on Christmas Day to find when I arise,
That I may see the world again with a child's unclouded eyes."

     "A little child -- a shining star --
A stable rude -- the door ajar.
      Yet in that place -- so crude, forlorn,
The Hope of all the world was born."

     Pamela Kennedy has written:  "I think our sharing of gifts at Christmas is delightful reminder, if only a pale reflection, of what God did on that very first Christmas over two thousand years ago.  The ancient scriptures remind us that the gift of the Saviour had been planned for centuries.  Prophets had predicted His coming, but no one knew where or when the Gift would be given.  The secret was hidden in the heart of God -- waiting for just the right moment -- for just the right amount of anticipation -- for just the right degree of need.  Then, 'in the fullness of time', the Gift was wrapped tenderly in flesh and delivered to the world on a starlit night in Bethlehem.  Embraced in the arms of a family, the heavenly Present was received with joy and gratitude while shepherds and angels wondered at the lavish outpouring of the Creator's love.  I believe the Giver delighted in knowing just what His beloved children needed that first Christmas and took divine pleasure in receiving their heartfelt thanks.

     The amazing thing about God's Christmas gift, however, is that it never wears out -- gets old, or goes out of style.  Every generation, every individual, has the opportunity to receive it anew, and not only at Christmas, but also every day of every year.  Our gifts to our loved ones are just temporary reminders of how much we care for and value them.  The generosity of our Heavenly Father is unending.  Morning by morning, we are surprised by the gifts of God.  The smile of a dear friend -- the song of a solitary bird -- every breath and heartbeat -- are all expressions of His abundant love.  As the beautiful carol reminds us:  'How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given!  So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven.'"

     "No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin;
Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in"!

So -- it's time again!  It's time to kneel and praise and sing Hosannas to our newborn King!