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Gift Giving

Gift giving is a vital part of Christmas. Too often we swap gifts rather than give gifts. It can be frustrating to try to find the right gift for the right person.
When God gave a gift, He didn’t buy it at the store – He gave Himself, His Son. The best gifts at Christmas are not bought – they are a sharing of who we are.
Matt Hoffman discovered this. He was a senior defensive end at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. His college had an on campus drive in the spring of 2009 to enroll students in the Be the Match registry for the donor program. Hoffman was one of 371 people who signed up.
There was a road maintenance worker in Brenham, Texas, named Warren Sallach. He was going to die if he didn’t receive a blood stem cell transplant to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Matt Hoffman was a match for Warren.
It wasn’t a simple gift. When he was identified as a match, he had to receive shots for five consecutive days before the transplant so he could raise the blood stem cell count. The offshoot of this was that the medication enlarged his spleen, which put him at risk of a rupture if he played football. His team had one more game. He decided to sit out his final college game in order to save the life of somebody he had never met.
As you are aware, the confidentiality of recipients and donors remain anonymous to one another for at least a year after the transplant. They can only make contact if both parties give their consent.
Can you imagine the feeling when Warren Sallach, 59-years-old, met Matt Hoffman, 21-years-old, for the first time? He met the man that had given a gift that saved his life. It was a gift that wouldn’t be swapped – it was a gift that could not be reciprocated.
Matt knew that he had missed out on a few sacks in his last game. He wasn’t just an ordinary player. This past year he was named the New Jersey Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
While Matt Hoffman gave a great gift when he gave up playing in a football game in order to save the life of a man he had never met, God gave up His Son who would be persecuted and die for millions of people who had not even been born yet! While Matt’s gift met a need for this life, God’s Gift met the deepest need of mankind for eternity!
Christmas is about the greatest Gift that God could give – the gift of His Son Jesus Christ.
Paul writes, “Thank God for His Gift that words can’t describe.” (II Corinthians 9:15 CEB)

You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet!

David Jeremiah, in his book, "Escape the Coming Night" tells how the children of the great composer, Bach, found that the easiest way to awaken their father was to play a few lines of music and leave off the last note. Bach would get up immediately, go to the piano and strike the final chord.

 Donald Grey Barnhouse told how he awoke one morning during the Christmas season, went to the piano and played, "Silent Night", purposely stopping before striking the last note. He walked into the hallway and listened to the sounds from the children's room upstairs. His eight-year-old son had stopped reading and was trying to find the final note on his harmonica. Another one of the children was singing the last note with great volume. His wife called, "Donald, did you do that on purpose?" 
We see the wonders of the Christmas season around us...the crowds, the joyful songs, the colorful decorations reminding us the reason for the season is celebrating the birth of Christ. But the final note has not been played in the story of Christ! The best is still to come! Hallelujah!

A Christmas To Remember

This is a first-person account from a mother about her family as they ate dinner on Christmas Day in a small restaurant many miles from their home. Nancy, the mother, relates:

                            

We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly eating and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, "Hi there." He pounded his fat baby hands on the high-chair tray. His eyes were wide with excitement and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin. He wriggled and giggled with merriment.

I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man with a tattered rag of a coat; dirty, greasy and worn. His pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and nose was so varicose it looked like a road map.

We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists. "Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster," the man said to Erik.

My husband and I exchanged looks, "What do we do?" Erik continued to laugh and answer, ""Hi, hi there." Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby.

Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, "Do ya know patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek-a-boo."

Nobody thought he old man was cute. He was obviously drunk. My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.

We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door. "Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik," I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to side-step him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's pick-me-up, position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man's.

Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love relationship. Erik in an act of total trust, love and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain and hard labor - gently, so gently cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back.

No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time. I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms for a moment, and then his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, "You take care of this baby." Somehow I managed, "I will," from a throat that contained a stone. He pried Erik from his chest unwillingly, longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, "God bless you ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift."

I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, "My God, my God, forgive me." I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes.

I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking --"Are you willing to share your son for a moment?", when He shared His son for all eternity.

The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, "To enter the Kingdom of God, we must become as little children."

--Author Unknown

                                       

Letters from Joseph - 1

A few years ago while preparing for Christmas Eve service I read an article that made me wonder what if Joseph told the story of Christmas by writing letters to his mother. This is the result. told in a series of three letters.

Dear Mom,

There were many things I couldn’t talk to you about last summer. You wouldn’t have believed me then, but maybe I can tell you now. I hope you can understand.

You know, Mom, I’ve always loved Mary. Dad and you used to tease me about her when she was still a girl. Her brothers and Mary used to play on our street. Our families got together for supper. But the hardest day of my life came scarcely a year ago when I was twenty and she was only fifteen. You remember that day, don’t you?

The trouble started after we were betrothed and signed the marriage agreement at our engagement. That same spring Mary had left abruptly to visit her old cousin Elizabeth in Judea. She was gone three whole months. After she got back, people began to wonder out loud if she were pregnant.

It was cloudy the day when I finally confronted her with the gossip. “Mary,” I asked at last, “Are you going to have a baby?”

Her clear brown eyes met mine. She nodded.

I didn’t know what to say. “Who?” I finally stammered.

Mom, Mary and I had never acted improperly – even after we were betrothed.

Mary looked down. “Joseph,” she said. “There is no way I can explain. You couldn’t understand. But I want you to know, I’ve never cared for anyone but you.” She got up, gently took my hands in hers, kissed each of them as if it were the last time she would ever do that again, and then turned toward home. She must have been dying inside. I know I was.

The rest of the day I stumbled through my chores. It is a wonder I didn’t hurt myself in the woodshop. At first I was angry and pounded out my frustrations on the doorframe I was making. My thoughts whirled so fast I could hardly keep my mind on my work. At last, I decided just to end the marriage contract with a quiet divorce. I loved her too much to make a public scene.

I couldn’t talk to you…or anyone, for that matter. I went to bed early and tried to sleep. He words came to me over and over. “I’ve never cared for anyone but you…I’ve never cared for anyone but you…” How I wished I could believe her!

I don’t know when I finally fell asleep. Mom, I had a dream from God. An angel of the Lord came to me. His words pulsated through my mind so intensely I can remember them as if it were yesterday.

“Joseph, son of David,” he thundered. “Do not fear to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”

I couldn’t believe my ears, Mom. This was the answer! The angel continued, “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

The angel gripped my shoulders with his huge hands. For a long moment his gaze pierced deep within me. Just as he turned to go, I think I saw a smile on his shining face.

I sat bolt upright in bed. No sleep after that! I tossed about for a while, going over the words in my mind. Then I got up and dressed quietly so I wouldn’t wake you.

I must have walked for miles beneath the moonless sky. Stars pricked the blackness like a thousand tiny pinpoints. A warm breeze blew on my face.

I sang to the Lord, Mom. Yes! Me, singing, if you can imagine that! I couldn’t contain my joy. I told Him that I would take Mary and care for her. I told Him I would watch over her – and the child – no matter what anyone said.

I got back just as the morning sun kissed the hilltops. I don’t know if you still recall that morning, Mom. I can see it in my mind’s eye as if it were yesterday. You were feeding the chickens, surprised to see me. Remember?

“Sit down,” I said to you. “I’ve got to tell you something.” I took your arm and helped you to find a seat on the big rock out back. “Mom,” I said. “I’m going to bring Mary home as my wife. Can you help make a place for her things?”

You were silent a long time. “You do know what they’re saying, don’t you, son?” you said at last, your eyes glistening with tears.

“Yes, Mom. I know.”

Your voice started to rise. “If your father were still alive, he’d have some words, I’ll tell you! Going about like that before you are married. Disgracing the family and all. You…you and Mary ought to be ashamed of yourselves!”

You’d never have believed me if I’d tried to explain, so I didn’t. Unless the angel had spoken to you, you’d have laughed me to scorn.

“Mom, this is the right thing to do,” I said.

And then, I started talking to you as if I were the head of the house. “When she comes, I don’t want one word to her about it,” I sputtered. “She’s your daughter-in-law. You’ll respect her. She’ll need your help if she’s to bear the neighbor’s wagging tongues!”

I’m sorry, Mom. You didn’t deserve that. You started to get up in a huff.

“Mom,” I murmured. “I need you.” You took my hand and got to your feet, but the fire was gone from your eyes.

“You can count on me, Joseph,” you told me with a long hug. And you meant it. I never heard another word. No bride could hope for a better mother-in-law than you those next few months.

Mom, after I left you I went up the road to Mary’s house and knocked. Her mother glared at me as she opened the door. Loudly, harshly, she called into the house, “It’s Joseph!” almost spitting out my name as she said it.

My little Mary came out cringing, as if she expected me to give her the back of my hand, I suppose. Her eyes were red and puffy. I can just imagine what her parents had said.

We walked a few steps from the house. She looked so young and afraid. “Pack your things, Mary,” I told her gently. “I’m taking you home to be my wife.”

“Joseph!” She hugged me as tight as she could. Mom, I didn’t realize she was so strong!

I told her what I’d been planning. “We’ll go to Rabbi Ben-Ezer’s house today and have him perform the ceremony.”

I know it was awfully sudden, Mom, but I figured the sooner we got married the better it would be for her, and me, and the baby.

“Mary, even if our friends don’t come, at least you and I can pledge our love before God.” I paused. “I think my Mom will be there. And maybe your friend Rebecca would come if her Dad will let her. How about your parents?”

I could feel Mary’s tiny frame shuddering as she sobbed quietly.

“Mary,” I said. I could feel myself speaking more boldly. “No matter what anyone says about you, I’m proud you’re going to be my wife. I’m going to take good care of you. I’ve promised God that.”

She looked up.

I lowered my voice. “I had a dream last night, Mary. I saw an angel…I know.”

The anguish which had gripped her face vanished. She was radiant as we turned away from the house and began to walk up the hill together.

Just then her mother ran out into the yard. “Wait,” she called. She must have been listening from behind the door. Tears were streaming down her cheeks.

“I’ll get your father,” she called, almost giddy with emotion. “We,” she cried as she gathered up her skirts. “We,” she shouted as she began to run to find her husband. “We…are going to have a wedding!”

That’s how it was, Mom. Thanks for being there for us. I’ll write again soon.

Love,

Joseph.

Letters from Joseph - 2

A few years ago while preparing for Christmas Eve I read an article that made me wonder what it would be like if Joseph told the story of that first Christmas by letters to his mother. This is the result.

Dear Mom,

We’re still in Bethlehem – Mary and I and little Jesus! Yes, the little guy just could not wait to be born when we got back to Nazareth – in fact, we barely made it to Bethlehem before Jesus was born!

Remember the cradle I spent so much time making? I can still smell the aroma of that fresh-cut wood. We just couldn’t bring it along with us. Mary cried when we had to leave it behind. She said, “Joseph, can’t we wait a few days? The baby could come at any time.” We didn’t want to leave home. Not at that time, but we waited for the baby as long as we dare. We had to leave or I would be arrested for not appearing in Bethlehem for the census.

That donkey was stubborn! You remember he always was stubborn. I helped Mary onto the donkey, and tugged hard at his halter but he wouldn’t move till I whacked him on the rear end. I can still see you waving from the yard with tears running down your face and I was leading the donkey with one hand and keeping Mary steady on the steep incline with the other, going down the winding road from Nazareth.

Five days and 90 miles later we arrived in Bethlehem – along with everyone else in Israel (at least it seemed that way). Mary was in labor by that time and the inn was completely full but the Innkeeper let us stay in the stable.

There was no midwife available. Just me and my rough carpenter’s hands to help Mary bring Jesus into the world. I don’t mind telling you I was praying hard while helping Mary bring Jesus into the world…just Mary…me…some animals in the stable to bring the Messiah into the world.

Don’t worry! I was careful to keep the lamp from lighting the old straw. I sure missed that cradle I made! I had to use an old stone manger for the baby’s bed, but I made sure I cleaned out the last gritty bits of straw from the manger and put fresh straw in. It was all we had and you always told me to make do with what I have. (Didn’t think I was listening did you!) I covered it with a fresh blanket to make it softer and told Mary that a king never had a finer bed to sleep in!

It was well past midnight by the time Mary finished washing and wrapping the baby. Mary mentioned how nice it would be to have that cradle. Why couldn’t little Jesus be in that cradle? Why did this special child the angel told Mary and I about have to be born in this smelly stable? Why here? WhyBethlehem?

Mom, you won’t believe what happened next. An older boy poked his head in the door and asked if there was a baby in here. I didn’t know what was happening so I quietly picked up the biggest stick I could find in case I had to defend our baby. I could hear someone else calling outside, “Over here! Jake found him!” In the darkness, I could make out a handful of men. I could see they were shepherds.

The oldest one hesitated as he asked, “Can we come in? We have…ah…come to see the Christ-child.” Mom, I glanced at Mary and both of us could feel a tingle move down our spines. This was more than an accident. I invited them in. They knelt and spoke with deepest reverence. “God be praised! It’s just like the angel told us, ‘Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.’”

The old man was excited. “Imagine! An angel…talking to us! None of the uppity-ups in there town would lower themselves to talk to us shepherds. But an angel did…and the child is right here in a stable so we can come and see Him.” Mom, tears were inching down his face!

I asked how they had found us. The boy who had first peeked in answered, “The angel said, ‘Unto you is born…’” The old man jumped in to say, “Yes, to us!” The boy spoke as if remembering the exact words: “Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” The old man pointed to the baby and said, “The Christ, the Messiah…He’s the one!”

The boy then said, “The angel was very specific. ‘And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ How could we miss? We just ran into town and checked every stable until we found you…found Him. How many newborns in Bethlehem do you know with a cattle manger for a cradle?”

Think about it Mom. The Heavenly Father Himself had provided a bed, a special cradle, for my son…for His Son. It was a sign to these shepherds that God cared for them too.

Well, I have to go get some rest before the baby wakes up. I don’t know when we will get back there, but I’ll write when I can.

Love,

Joseph

Letters from Joseph - 3

A few years ago while preparing for Christmas Eve service, I read an article that got me to thinking what it would be like if Joseph told the story of Christmas by letters he wrote to his mother. This the result. 

 

Dear Mom,

Sorry it has been a while since I have written, but things have been a little crazy in our little household. (You would think by this time, I would be getting used to it, don’t you? I’m not, but God is always good!)

There is so much to tell you. You remember we moved out of the stable soon after Jesus was born. We rented a little house from a nice man and his wife. He didn’t trust outsiders so he asked how we planned to pay for it. I can’t blame him.

I held out my hands and he could see they were callused from hard work. I told him, “I’d work for you. Help with the livestock, harvest in the summer, whatever you need. We’ve just moved to Bethlehem from Nazareth. My wife and I had a little baby last week.”

His name was Jacob. Jacob said, “Oh, was that your baby born in the stable behind the inn?” Bethlehem is just like Nazareth…nothing happens without everyone knowing about it. I told him when I get some carpenter jobs I could pay with cash money.

Jacob tried to be rough looking, but he smiled at me and said, “Yeah, you can take it, but I’ll expect to see you first thing in the morning. We’ve got wood to cut in the hills.”

We moved in that afternoon. Jacob and his wife have been good friends. His wife has really take to Mary. Anyway that was a couple of years ago.

A few months ago a caravan lumbered into Bethlehem and stopped right in front of our house. Camels were kneeling, riders climbing down from their mounts. They were Easterners and rich. There were three rich ones with I don’t know how many servants. They looked at our house and right above our house was this…star! At least, I guess that was what it was. Its light shone clearly on our house. The rich men (they were called Magi) came to our door and when I let them in, they knelt on the dirt floor before Jesus who was sleeping.

They said, “We saw the child’s star in the East. We knew that it meant a great king had been born among the Jews, greater than any on earth. We came to do homage to such a great king.” I was choking back tears and I could see tears flowing down Mary’s cheeks. The man then continued, “We went to Jerusalem, but they knew of no baby kings.” I’m just a simple man, but my son is a king!

They told how they asked King Herod and his scholars said the Messiah-king was to be born in Bethlehem of Judah. They spoke to one another in a strange Eastern tongue. I could tell they didn’t trust Herod.

They brought gifts for Jesus. The first was a strongbox filled with gold! The second had a small chest and when he opened it the fragrance of exotic spices filled the room. It was frankincense. Then a box containing a fragile alabaster flask with a new smell. It was myrrh, used to anoint the bodies of the dead. I thought it was a strange gift for a baby. They all knelt before Jesus, excused themselves and sort of backed out of our tiny house. Mary and I just held each other trying to understand.

They asked if they could camp in the pasture that night. The servants began unpacking tents. By then, half the town was standing on the road in front of the house watching while servants set up three great pavilions. Finally, people drifted off to their homes, but Mom, I didn’t sleep much.

The next morning the servants reloaded their animals and the Magi came to see Jesus again and left. The next night another angel came to me in a dream telling me to get up, take the child and his mother and escape because Herod was going to search for the child to kill him. We quickly loaded everything we could quickly and bought another donkey from Jacob for the journey…at least I tried, but Jacob insisted on giving the donkey to us for the Christ-child.

Jacob’s wife put some food together for us while Jacob helped me tie the packages onto the donkey. I wouldn’t tell Jacob where we were going. It was best that he didn’t know.

You can see from the return address that we are in Egypt! How long we will be here, only God knows…that that is a comfort because we aren’t alone…He is with us.

Mary sends her love. I can’t wait till we can come back home. Jesus can’t wait to meet His Grandma. Until then…

Love,

Joseph