CHRISTMAS DEVOTION 2015

Jan Menconi

            Thirty-five years ago when our daughters were young, I bought a hand knit nativity scene for the Christmas season, including Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, and the 3 wise men. One was carrying a round shaped knit package stitched to his hands. It was a nativity scene that 2 little girls could handle without any chance of breaking. Every year when the Christmas decorations came out, my daughters would set up that crèche and retell the Christmas Story.

            Fast forward to 5 years ago when our oldest grandson was 3 years old. The Christmas boxes came out, and the next generation began telling the story of Christmas using the hand knit characters.  Only this time something different happened.  After unpacking all the characters, Isaac immediately took one of the wise men and tore off the round shaped “gift” and started playing with it like a little tiny ball.  After all why would the wise man hold onto the gift? Gifts are to be given away and enjoyed, right?  

            The truth of Christmas was made so clear to me when Isaac ripped the “frankincense” from the wise man.
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            I was reminded that we have been given the greatest gift in God’s Son who gives us salvation and life eternal.  I hold on to that great promise.  Often times I’m reluctant to share the Gospel or go out of my way to share the Good News of Christmas with others.     God sent his Son to this world to offer salvation to all mankind.  The wise men worshiped the Savior of the World as they gave Him gifts. They gave their best.

            Am I giving my best?  Lord, as we enter this Christmas season, what gifts can I lay at your feet?  Do I hold too tightly to my comfortable life?  Show me how I can serve you and give of myself in a way that demonstrates your great love to others.

            “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.  Then they opened their
            ​treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrhh.”                                        - Matthew 2:11