The Greatest Gift

Bouguereau's "Song of the Angels"


While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:6-11 NIV)

In addition to being a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas, this passage was one I meditated on this year for some personal reasons. Of course, the birth of Jesus remains the greatest gift ever given to the world - such a huge symbol of God's perfect love in the form of a tiny baby. Once again this year I am so thankful for that unchanging love. At this season I also thought about our first grandbaby, due in just a few weeks. There was a wonderful phrase on a sign in one of the nursery vignettes of a store where I was choosing some baby gifts - such a big miracle in such a little boy - and Liam will truly be a miraculous gift to my stepson and his wife. My own son's name, Matthew, was chosen because it means "Gift of God." This Christmas that gift is more apparent than ever. And when life choices result in a child's re-birth of sorts, a starting over after losing their way, as parents we greet such an event with the same great joy as when we first held that child as a baby in our arms. Likewise, the Lord tells us to come to Him as a little child - no matter what our earthly age might be. What a blessing that he receives us with open arms - prodigal children no more - simply confirming what we always were to begin with - His cherished ones.