“And when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts: gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” Matt. 2:11

In the final home stretch to Christmas, are you one of those still hurrying here and there trying to find the perfect gift to fit your budget? The giving of gifts is an age-old tradition in the lives of the people of God. Some even think that what they give defines who they are. But, what will you give?

In this familiar biblical passage, Matthew highlights gift-giving during the very first Christmas. And so has it been ever since. Here are some examples from the Christmas story: When Jesus was an infant, the Magi brought him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, the best money could buy. The shepherds, however, did not bring material gifts, but they brought their faith in response to the angel’s report. Joseph and Mary gave their lives, whereby they committed themselves to God’s plan even though they did not fully understand it.

God, the father gave the greatest of all gifts, his only begotten Son. He gave the gift that cannot be described with words and cannot be duplicated. Thus, as believers in Christ, what will you give? Will you experience weariness and frustration in searching for the perfect gift that may turn out not to be the perfect gift? Instead, consider giving the gifts that Christ our Savior would delight in us giving. “Give Love.”

In Matt. 22:36-40, Jesus answers the Pharisees regarding the question of the greatest commandment. He states, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Give the gift of “loving the Lord!” He comes before any one; before family, friends, and all others. Also, as important, he comes before material things, your pride and joys of life.

Secondly, give the gift of “loving others” as Christ loves us. (1: John 4:20-21). Also available is the gift of “forgiveness. ”If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly father will also forgive you. (Mark 11:26b). Lastly, the gift of a “Good Example.” Paul said to Timothy, “let no man despise thy youth, but be an example of the believers, in word, deed, conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1Tim.4:12.

Why not strive to give the gift of a “Christlike” example, that your light will shine in a dark and evil world. Now, all of these are still available without scurrying around or getting in the crowds or breaking your budget. What will you give for Christmas?

REV. DR. JAMES TAYLOR is pastor of Jericho Baptist Church in Farmville, his email is: jht3@verizon.net.