Her perfect Christmas gifts became an anticipated tradition.
As a middle-schooler, my daughter began making handspun Christmas gifts for me. One year a converted cassette tape holder with childhood memorabilia. Another year, a frame with two pictures of us along with the poem, “My Daddy’s Hand.” Then a shadow box housing a picture from our trek on the Appalachian Trail, a small rock, and a Bible verse that read; The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold II Samuel 22:2-3. Perhaps my favorite was the homemade booklet made of construction paper and entitled, “What Hiking Means to Me.” During college, when her life grew busy, the gifts stopped, but as her life settled, the gifts resumed.
Perhaps what the wise men brought to the boy child Jesus didn’t appear to be perfect gifts, but for a future king they were appropriate. Gold suited kings and would certainly help a poor family finance future trips to Egypt and Nazareth. Frankincense was fit for deity, which Jesus was. Myrrh was a spice appropriate for a person who was going to die. He would in a few brief years.
I look forward to my daughter’s perfect Christmas gifts each year. More importantly, I must consider what should be my perfect gift to the Savior who has given His life for me. My gifts should not only be presented at Christmas but offered throughout the year. The gifts He craves from me are undivided loyalty and love that I extend to others from my heart, soul, and mind. I may not have metals and spices, but I can give a cup of cold water in His name.
What gift can you give Jesus this Christmas season?
(Photo courtesy of mandmwiles.)
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Martin Wiles lives in Greenwood, SC, and is the founder of Love Lines from God. He is a freelance editor, English teacher, pastor, and author. He serves as Managing Editor for both Christian Devotions and Vinewords.net and is an instructor for the Christian PEN (professional editor’s network). Wiles is a multi-published author. His most recent book, Hurt, Hope and Healing: 52 Devotions That Will Lead to Spiritual Health, is available on Amazon. He and his wife are parents of two and grandparents of seven. He can be contacted at [email protected].