Each Christmas it seems that something crosses my path that epitomizes this wondrous season. Maybe it’s a Christmas card, or a story, a globe Santa plea or a heartfelt homecoming.  This year it came this morning in the form of a video that appeared in my email box.
    It seems that a number of children from the poorer area surrounding Atlanta Georgia were interviewed and asked what they wanted for Christmas; and what they thought their parents might want. The answers varied from a computer and an Xbox to a ring and a dress, a Barbie dollhouse and a neckless to a Mr. Coffee. Then these children were given both gifts they requested but told they had to choose one or the other – the gift for their parent or the gift for themselves. You could see the anguish on their faces, but every child chose the gift for their parent over the gift for themselves. Asked to explain their decisions, their simple selfless love and straightforward reasons brought tears to my eyes. In their poverty and want they had clearly learned the meaning of the Christmas Season. Given a choice they gave instead of received. In the end after they made their sacrificial choice, thankfully they were rewarded with both gifts.
    Tonight we come together to celebrate the gift of all gifts. A child is born for us, a Son is given. Our God, like the little ones of Atlanta, knows that it is better to give than to receive. Long before we even knew who God was, He gave us the gift of  life and promised that He would send a savior to guarantee us that life eternally.
    Today that Savior has been born. Today that Savior chooses to enter the fullness of humanity and to make His dwelling place in our midst. Today earth and heaven are united in an everlasting bond of pure love.
    This season is indeed a time of gift giving which reflects the great gift of that First Christmas night. May we too learn the powerful message of giving without counting the cost; of thinking of others before ourselves; and as one little boy in Atlanta put it: My family is so much more important than a box of Legos!