The Gift of Love

II Corinthians 9:15 and Matthew 2:1-12
By Harold Dinsmore, M.Div.
© 2007 Harold Dinsmore

            Have you ever thought about the origins of Christmas and the traditions of giving of gifts at Christmas?  I’m sure you are aware that we are not really sure of the exact date of our Lord’s birth and that the traditions we have in the U.S. are a combination of many traditions brought from many distant lands and people as they migrated to the New World.  That being said, it is a marvelous thing that we gather each year to celebrate our Lord’s birth.  For without the baby in the manger there would be no Savior on the cross dying for our sins. 

            Many of you have either celebrated or have heard of the tradition of Advent in the Christian calendar year.  The word Advent is simply translated coming.  The first advent or coming of our Lord Jesus is historically tied to the second advent when he comes to gather us to himself someday.  So as we celebrate his birth each year at Christmas time we are also looking forward to the hope of the imminent second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.