For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

— John 3:16

Christmas is all about giving. God gives. Therefore, we give.

For years spiritual analysts have lamented the secularization and commercialization of Christmas, but I think there is something perhaps even worse: the trivialization of Christmas. Stop to think about it. Santa Claus, Rudolph the red nosed reindeer, a chattering Christmas chipmunk—that trio is like “Three Blind Mice” compared to the Hallelujah Chorus.

Or, when asked the meaning of Christmas, a six-year-old child replied: “Santa Claus’ birthday.” I think this is symbolic of the spiritual blindness of the world as it gropes in its darkness for some meaning to Christmas.

The good news is that at Christmas, we are reminded annually of God’s indescribable gift in Christ. The wondrous gift is given, God’s Son for our salvation¾that is what Christmas is about. The most important gift will not be found under any tree on Christmas morning; rather, it was purchased on a tree outside a city wall long ago.

At Christmas, “God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven.” This Christmas, let God rain down His blessings on you and yours. Let us receive Him who has come to make all things new.

Question to ponder:
As you enjoy all the trimmings of Christmas, what do you consider the greatest blessing?