Why are PRESENTS a symbol of Christmas?
Luke 2:12 "And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."
Tis the season to be giving!
Presents are always fun whether you are the one giving or receiving them. Packages are usually beautifully wrapped in glamorous paper and with decorative bows. Its that expectation of not knowing what is inside. Presents are great! But why do we give them during Christmas?
This is the time of year where you could walk into your local neighborhood store, doctors/dentist office, or even church to find a box for people to donate toys to those in need. It's a time of wanting to bless others. But why?
Many people know the story about the three Wisemen bringing gifts to baby Jesus when he was born (Matthew 2:11). After all we've seen the nativity scene. But is that the reason why Presents are a symbol of Christmas? Partly, yes.
However, I would say the reason why we give and receive Presents on Christmas is because God the Father gave us the greatest Present of all, His only begotten Son (John 3:16). Yes the Wisemen came and gave gifts to Jesus, but the ultimate gift was already wrapped! Behold the king is born! The Savior of the world!
I teach my children that Christmas is Jesus's birthday and just like on their birthday they like getting Presents, we also give Presents on His birthday. One time my son asked me, "Then why do we get Presents if it's His birthday?" My response was, "just like on your birthday you gave everyone a party favor for coming before they left, so Jesus gives us Presents for celebrating His birthday." And everyone deserves to celebrate the birth of Jesus!
So wrap those Presents and give and receive them joyfully knowing that this is a time of celebration for the greatest Present of all! King Jesus!
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