We spend a lot of time during the Christmas Season thinking about gifts and gift giving. Giving just the right gift takes thought. How well you know the person greatly informs the choosing process. And then your personality colors the way you choose as well. Depending on your personality, some people may find gift-giving stressful while others enjoy every step. It is interesting how gift-giving can become all-consuming or very invigorating.

Gifts can be tangible, costly, hand-made, or free. As I grow richer with experiences, I treasure the gifts of moments more. Those times are unscripted conversations with people who I admire, love, and care for. The free spaces shared between friends, enjoying each other’s company. And the moments to be in the presence of my family. These are the gifts that are becoming more and more precious to me. They are both all-consuming and life-giving. Gift giving can be so easy when we try.

The gift of presence is exactly what God has given us with His Son Jesus, Immanuel, God with Us! The gift of His Son is most certainly life-giving and all-consuming. He knows each of us and has crafted us to be gifted as well. So, this season, let’s treasure the Gift of His Presence and share it with others. Let’s soak in the moments we have with friends and family. Let’s sit a little longer at the table to hear each other’s hearts. Let’s linger in the driveway to share holiday greetings with the neighbors. And slow our pace as we leave the church house to catch up with one more friend in the hallway. These moments are gifts. Let’s not throw them away!

P.S. Our favorite Christmas Moment with young families is Nativity Story Time with Dr. Dennis and Mrs. Cindy. Families and their preschoolers are welcome to join us THIS Sunday, December 4, in the 6th-grade room, at 4:30 p.m. as we share the Story of Jesus’ birth, along with cookies & milk, of course!