The Gift of Giving

This Christmas I was looking forward to try and opt out from the gift exchange that my company's Administration Department organises annually as we wrap up the year with a Christmas lunch as I do not advocate crass commercialism. Covid-19 has made it a non-decision as my colleagues are largely working from home and mingling in large groups is disallowed by the government for good safety measure.

Nonetheless, the giving didn't stop as I see colleagues wrapped, labelled and rolled our their gifts on an unofficial basis to one another. Their earnest and sincere efforts caused me to have a change of heart that giving can be genuine and not a knee-jerk reaction to mindless shopping. It was all done without obligation and out of appreciation, and some few that I know kept giving year after year even when they did not receive any gifts in return.

This got me thinking on why they would do so. My answer is that they have been struck by the gift of giving where they find giving edifying -- in and of itself; good for the heart and soul.

The gift of giving is a secondary gift or side-effect, if you will, of Christmas. The greatest gift of all had been given on that first Christmas. We are merely taking after the greatest Giver of all times -- God Himself.

The mystery of Christmas continues as many have yet to receive a revelation to ponder over this life-transforming gift from heaven. 

As prophesied, "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6 NKJV)".

For your reflection, here is an account of gift from heaven on that first Christmas:

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.

Nicodemus, a Jewish leader and teacher of the law, came to Jesus one night to ask concerning heavenly things and out of this encounter we have received this clear depiction and promise of Christmas as encapsulated in the Holy Bible: 

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:16 NKJV)."

The message of Christmas is timeless. Love has a name -- Jesus. May you have your Silent Night and Holy Night moment with the revelation from heaven that God is with us and Jesus is still the answer for the world today as we by faith not only received our own salvation from the condemnation of sins, but also emulate His examples to redeem this world with His love and act of giving.

Merry Christmas and thank you for reading Daily Refreshing.