Gifts That Matter

Matthew 2:9–11 NIV

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. [10] When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. [11] 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, frankincense and myrrh.

I was texting my friend the other day. I do not talk to her every day, although I send out a daily Bible verse not only to her but to about a dozen women in total. There was a nudging I felt just a few weeks after I received a text message informing me that one of my dearest friends had lost her mother. So I listened to that nudging sending out those verses.

The other day I send her a Bible Verse as always and a message, having not heard from her as well, feeling the need to reach out. (I’m sure I can be annoying at times lol) So I did, and we texted back and forth for awhile, as she mentioned that when she got back in town shed reach out, because she had something for me.

But my greatest gifts are not the things people buy for me, and yes, I have been blessed with nice gifts. What matters more is who I share my life with, my family and friends. I have laughed and cried with them, talked to them, and yes, even argued with them, but at the end of the day, Jesus is, of course, my greatest gift, followed by my family, friends, and pets.

Isaiah 9:6–7 NIV

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [7] Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

I of course thanked my friend for thinking of me, for the gift, but more than that I thank my friends for everything they bring to the table, laughter and tears, but the greatest gift of course did not come in a neatly wrapped package, but rather in the form of an infant child, the son of God, who came to pay the price for our sins long ago.

So whether you have gifts neatly wrapped under the tree, in your beautiful home, or you are struggling to put food on the table, remember the gifts that matter are not wrapped and placed neatly under a tree. They are the family, the friends who fill our homes with joy, and most importantly our greatest gift has one desire, that it reside in each of your hearts as well as mine.

Copyright Michelle R Kidwell

December.21.2024

*In a world where more and more people are increasingly struggling simply to up food on the table, perhaps its about time we get back to what really matters this Christmas, its not the presents under the tree, but the presence of those we love, the faith we cling too, the phone call or text message when you are feeling blue, these are the gifts that are truly priceless. But our greatest gift came from humble beginnings but with humanities greatest purpose, Salvation!