Christmas celebrates the Gift who is the Giver of every good and perfect gift.

It is becoming increasingly difficult for many of us to fully appreciate and to dwell in the spirit of Christmas when our culture has co-opted, profaned and even perverted the very essence of this magnificent season.  People everywhere are consumed with giving gifts to loved ones, creating happy memories for children and helping those in need, and while these are all good and noble efforts, the most excellent fact of human history can easily be neglected, obscured or forgotten.
   
Despite the growing animosity and violence aimed at Christians during the other eleven months of the year, the Christmas season ushers-in a welcome and significant detente in anti-Christian bigotry.  Atheists and agnostics are confronted with undeniable impact that Jesus Christ has made upon their godless world.  In the United States, Christmas invades most all human boundaries: political, racial, ethnic, geographic, economic and even religious.  Animus toward Christ, Christians and Christmas is generally regarded as barbaric and inhumane during this time of year. 

Many self-serving sophisticates tell us that Christians are wrong, even arrogant, to claim that Christ is the only way to God.  But the assertion is false.  It is, in fact, the other major religions of the world that do this.  For example, Buddhism provides a pathway to nirvana, not to God Himself.  Hinduism sets its adherents on an endless cycle of reincarnations that may, one day, end in enlightenment, but again, without God.  Islam demands rigid obedience to practices that may buy a Muslim’s entry into paradise, but not into a real and personal relationship with the god of the Qu’ran.  Only Christ holds out the offer of a tangible relationship with God Himself.   

While it is, indeed, more blessed to give than to receive, the Gift we most need has already been given.  From that sacred moment on, it can only be received.  But Christ is the Gift who can be received any day, any time and by anyone who chooses.  Christmas is the time that we celebrate the Giver who is also the Gift.  The birth of Christ was not merely a once-and-for-all presentation of God to mankind or for a finite period of time.  Rather, Christ is the Giver of gifts that never end.

Scripture tells us that Jesus Christ is the way the truth and the life; three gifts that lead to many, many more.  Through Christ alone, we gain knowledge of the way in which to live happy and successful lives without guilt, regret or needless turmoil.  In receiving Christ, we acquire knowledge of truth and the unique ability to distinguish between fact and fallacy.  Through Christ we receive life, abundantly now and eternally perpetuating. 

Christmas is more than holiday lights, brightly-wrapped presents and special holiday meals.  It is beyond a sacred moment in time or an era of historical reform and renewal.  Christmas is not just love, joy, peace, hope and the promise of an amazing forever.  It is all of these things and more.  Christmas is the divine manifestation of the love of God through Christ in every form and fashion. 

Christ is the Gift and the Giver of Gifts.  He is the beginning, the destination and the end of all things.  He is the purpose and the pathway to His own wonderful plan.  May we be consumed with the Gift and the Giver, now and forever.  Merry Christmas to everyone!