COS Advent Devotions
Tradition Tuesday: Christmas Gifts
December 10, 2024
Craig Cote
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
Matthew 2:9-11
Our modern celebration of Christmas comes from these verses. We have the Magi or wise men to thank for the way we share gifts at the celebration of Jesus’ birth.
What’s the best gift you remember getting? Honestly, I don’t remember that many. After the toy years, I got a dirt bike one year. Pretty great gift but I had to help pay for it. My parents eventually put a moratorium on motorcycle parts for Christmas. They were tiring of my obsession.
The second-best Christmas gift I received was a fiancé. Yup, I asked my wife to marry me on Christmas Eve. Not sure why, but she said yes! Thank you for many great years.
My best gift is one that is shared by many. The birth of our savior. Though I believe the true gift doesn’t arrive until Easter, some thirty-three years later.
Lord, I always thank you for the many blessings in my life. This time of year I am thankful that you became flesh and blood and my redeemer. Amen