It’s easy to say that Christmas has become a day of greed and materialism. For some, it has. Although, for many, we just love to give. To watch as our loved ones open up their gifts. That smile of gratitude and appreciation. Christmas radiates generosity. It got me thinking about how God gave us the ultimate gift on that first Christmas, His Son, Jesus. This gift of Christ leading to our salvation. So, as we watch our loved ones joyously open their Christmas gifts, may we be filled with joy. Not just from their smiles, but to know what this day is truly about. The best gift of all, Christ! Whether a lot or a little under the tree this year, we’ve already been gifted the ultimate gift. I hope my friends that today especially, we remember what this day truly represents. It’s not the gifts under our tree or even the wonderful ones our loved ones gift us. It is the gift long ago, that was wrapped in a manger. A gift that still continues to give all throughout the year; Jesus. It is through His gift we find wrapped in love, our salvation. Merry Christmas my friends, remember as we unwrap and we gift, the real reason for the season.

Erin Fitts-Brower 

Luke 2:1-14 NIV

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”