What Are You Going to get Jesus for Christmas?
Jim Welty
It seems like a silly question, but since Christmas is Jesus birthday, shouldn't we give that some thought. I think we get the Christmas thing all wrong, which is why I've been heard to say, "I love Jesus; I'm just not wild about his birthday." Jesus came to our world in abject poverty, so naturally we spend too much money getting each other gifts to celebrate that fact. Something about that seems out of wack.
For thoughts like that I've been accused of being like Ebenezer Scrooge, the Christmas curmudgeon from Charles Dickens' classic "The Christmas Carol", but the truth is I do love Jesus; but I'm not fond of how we celebrate his birthday. The only one who should be receiving gifts at Christmas is Jesus because it's his birthday. In our Kids' Klub program the children used to sing a song at Christmas. "Happy Birthday Jesus"
Happy Birthday Jesus I'm so glad it's Christmas
All the tinsel and lights And the presents are nice
But the real gift is you!
Happy Birthday Jesus. Jesus I love you
Happy Birthday Jesus I'm so glad it's Christmas
All the carols and bells Make the holiday swell
And it's all about you!
Happy Birthday Jesus. Jesus I love you
Christmas is Jesus' birthday, but how do we celebrate it, and more importantly, what are we going to give him for his birthday? Micah 6:8 gives us some help answering that question.
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
During this Advent season, we'll be "unpacking" those gifts that we want to give to Jesus. They are not tangible gifts but gifts of the heart - which is exactly what he wants.