Matthew 2:1-12

Maren was in kindergarten and, as Christmas approached, the talk at school was cloaked in the tales of Santa Claus. The children sang songs and heard stories about Santa, the elves, the toys, the good and bad girls and boys.

Suddenly Maren knew what she wanted for Christmas. She wanted Santa to bring her a sleigh with bells. She wanted that sleigh in her back yard on Christmas morning so she could hitch a ride to the North Pole where Santa and the elves lived. There, she just knew that Santa would have the elves teach her how to make the toys he brought to the boys and girls each year. And, if she learned how to make those toys, Santa’s reindeer could return Maren back home where she could make the toys and be one of Santa’s helpers in bringing gifts to the children in her community.

What’s on our “want list?” Does it include serving others or fulfilling the needs and dreams of others? Perhaps that was one of the original purposes of sharing gifts at Christmas.

The other model of gift-giving at Christmas is the wise men seeking the baby Jesus. In awe of this gift of a Messiah—one who would bring in a new Kingdom on earth—these men bow down, offering the very best treasures they have: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

So, what do we give to God who comes in Jesus to bring hope, justice, and peace to our world? Hopefully we offer our very lives and commitment to follow God’s ways, to share in the mission as demonstrated by Jesus, and to tell to all God’s story wrapped up in God’s love for all.

Prayer: Generous, loving God, today I offer myself to you. Help me to find ways of sharing the good news of your love to others. Amen.

Song: “What Can I Give Him?” by Christina Rosetti.
               What can I give Him, poor as I am?
               If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb,
               If I were a wise man, I would do my part.
               Yet what can I give Him? Give my heart.