Is there anything better than a hand-made gift made by the hands of someone who loves you? No, I think not.
There are presents made with love in my history that I remember far and above other gifts. A dress, sewn by my grandmother. A creche made by daughter’s five year old hands. A quilt made by my Great grandmother. All fill my heart with joy when I recall opening them, using them, enjoying such a gift of love.
I made Christmas sugar cookies for my children’s choir this week. Because I love them – and they have been working hard. So, I gently rolled out the dough and cut Christmas tree shapes. Then, I baked them, let them cool and decorated them, carefully with a steady hand. It was work, but I did it on purpose. I wanted my little singers to have something special.
At this time of year, I’m reminded of the ultimate gift. God, our Heavenly Father, sent His only Son to earth. By His own handiwork, He made Jesus into flesh and blood – Emmanuel, Incarnate – here to dwell with us. It was such a personal gift of love. Just when I think I’ve got my mind wrapped around it, I realize I don’t really comprehend it.
Over the past couple of days I’ve read Luke chapter 1&2 again and again. I’d paste the passage in here, but that would make this post incredibly long. While I’m waiting for the story to sink in I’ve been wondering: Could I ever give away that much of myself? of my time and my heart? I don’t know, but I’d like to try. I’ve been asking the Heavenly Father to show me how to give more, and give better.
Heavenly Father, Thank you for the gift of your Son – what an incredible, radical gift of love! Because of this gift, I am filled with wonder at the knowledge of your love for me. Help me to give myself away more freely because of this love I’ve come to know. Your love towards me is limitless – let me find the strength to give beyond my own limits. amen.
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This is one of the songs my children’s choir is learning right now and my heart swells when I hear it. Praise God for the hallowed manger ground!
Emmanuel
What hope we hold this starlit night
A King is born in Bethlehem
Our journey long, we seek the light
That leads to the hallowed manger ground
What fear we felt in the silent age
Four-hundred years can He be found
But broken by a baby’s cry
Rejoice in the hallowed manger ground
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
God incarnate, here to dwell
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Praise His name Emmanuel
The son of God, here born to bleed
A crown of thorns would pierce His brow
And we beheld this offering
Exalted now the King of kings
Praise God for the hallowed manger ground!
daily portion 