Is It Under the Tree?

This season I have heard more and more of my friends talk about running around getting gifts and stating that they hope the receiver likes what they got. Now, I have also been guilty of this thought process, but then my husband said to me, "Give as unto the Lord, not unto the person."

I realized that the wise men never wondered if Baby Jesus, Joseph and Mary would like the presents they got them or if they would use them wisely, they brought what was in their heart to give and gave it gladly. It was like they had to bring gifts to make themselves worthy to see the babe, just coming to see him themselves wasn't enough, they wanted to bless him. They didn't look for the praise and thanks afterward; their praise and thanks was in their hearts toward Jesus, the gifts were inconsequential.

This brings the question to mind: "Why do we give each other gifts at Christmas?" Yes, I know where the tradition started but why am I continuing to do it? Am I giving gifts to receive the praise and thanks from my loved ones or are the gifts inconsequential? Is the importance on the One who made it all possible?

I take this lesson from my three-year-old son. He knows that he has presents under our tree, one very big one that he has been eyeing for a week and a half now. Do you know, he never goes and touches the presents, but every single day he goes to the Nativity and picks up baby Jesus and gives him a kiss and arranges the people and animals so that they are all looking at Jesus. It doesn't matter if I go and move them back later I will come by and they are back like he had them before. It just fascinates me that even before he truly understands who Jesus is, his being responds to the fact that all the people and animals should be looking to Jesus. Now, normally I don't get too religious where my children are concerned but because I needed to learn a lesson here it became a very stark example for me. My question to you is, "Why are you giving gifts?" and "Is it necessary to run yourself ragged to be able to squeeze one more present onto the pile?" "Will you feel blessed to just be part of the season with your loved ones or are the gifts under the tree that important to you?"

I truly hope that you feel blessed by the season and each of you has a very Merry Christmas!