Christmas. The very word conjures up images of twinkling lights, the scent of pine, and the eager anticipation of gifts. As children, many of us were swept away by the magic of Santa Claus, the thrill of unwrapping presents, and the joy of festive traditions. I, too, cherish those nostalgic memories of Christmases past. I remember the excitement of decorating our freshly cut tree, its branches adorned with white lights and colorful ornaments. Beneath it, a ceramic manger scene stood, a silent testament to the season’s true meaning. My siblings and I would eagerly await Christmas Eve, not just for the presents, but for the chance to perform our rendition of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas‘ for our parents, followed by carols where each of us kids got our own solo. The anticipation was palpable.
One of the most enduring traditions was the single gift we were allowed to open on Christmas Eve – invariably, a pair of pajamas lovingly handmade by our grandma. It was a clever parental strategy, I now realize, ensuring we were snug in new jammies and ready for bed, while the real gift extravaganza awaited us on Christmas morning.
But as we grow older, our perspective on gifts evolves. We begin to understand that the Best Christmas Gifts aren’t always the ones wrapped in shimmering paper and bows. They are the intangible treasures, the gifts of the spirit that truly enrich our lives. These are the gifts that God bestows upon us – hope, joy, peace, and above all, love.
The true essence of Christmas, the most profound best Christmas gift, is love. The Bible, in John 3:16, beautifully encapsulates this: “For God so loved the world that he gave…” This verse speaks volumes. God’s gift to humanity is unparalleled – His only Son, Jesus Christ. This child, born in a humble manger, is the ultimate best Christmas gift, offering eternal life to those who believe and receive Him.
The complete verse of John 3:16 resonates deeply: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This love is transformative; it is the gift that changes everything. It is God with us, Emmanuel, the very presence of the Divine in our world. To a world yearning for liberation from darkness, Christ brought freedom and enlightenment. These gifts of freedom, light, and lasting peace remain ours to embrace today, alongside countless other blessings.
Imagine a baby in a manger – seemingly insignificant, yet this is the Savior of the world. The narrative doesn’t conclude there. This child, both fully God and fully human, matured, demonstrating how to love unconditionally. He embodied compassion in His actions and parables. He healed the sick, championed the marginalized, and extended kindness to all. He was remarkably authentic and relatable. And the Christian faith holds the promise of His return, to ultimately restore all things.
Love descended at Christmas. The best gift imaginable. And the world has never been the same since.
What is Christmas truly about?
While for some, Christmas might be associated with Santa Claus, snowmen, and toys, or the hustle and bustle of shopping, bright decorations, and festive noise, or perhaps simply a time for family gatherings, its essence goes far deeper. Let’s explore the poem that beautifully articulates the heart of Christmas:
To some it is Santa and snowmen and toys,
To some it’s the shopping, bright wrappings and noise,
To others it’s family and everyone’s home,
To me, it’s much more. Let me share in this poem…
Christmas is where it all began,
An infant child who became a man.
Eternity came down so we could understand,
The child of Creator, the true Son of Man.
He was not unexpected, for the prophets foretold
The events that had happened would surely unfold.
Four hundred years later the miracle came,
The star over Bethlehem shone where He lay.
They came to attend Him from near and from far,
The shepherds and wise men who followed the star.
All were rejoicing that first Christmas night
At the child of a virgin, a humbling sight.
So what is the meaning of that first Christmas night?
Simply, He came to make everything right.
For the Child had a purpose in coming to Earth.
He came as a light and to give us new birth.
He gave us forgiveness and paid with His life.
What kind of love would pay such a price?
For death could not hold Him; He rose from that grave.
And freedom and life were the gifts that He gave.
No longer divided, no longer alone,
Because of His love the wall had come down.
Live free forever! O, what a gift!
Both now here on earth and forever with Him.
Wise men and angels followed Him then.
Wise men still seek Him, again and again.
— Jackie M. Johnson
This Christmas, as we consider the best Christmas gifts, let us remember that while material presents bring fleeting joy, the enduring gifts of love, hope, peace, and faith, embodied in the spirit of Christmas, are the ones that truly matter. They are the gifts that enrich our lives and connect us to something far greater than ourselves.
