For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. —Luke 2:11 (KJV)
Years ago when my husband and I were traveling through the western part of North Carolina, I bought a small wooden manger scene that had been made by someone living in the area. It has become my favorite Christmas ornament because it is so simple and lovingly carved.
Over the years, some of its more delicate parts have been broken and mended, but it means even more to me now. In many ways each of us is very much like that little carving.
We are not perfect; we haven’t always held up well under life’s pressures, but we have always been tenderly mended by a caring God.
What can we give to God in return? Nothing.
Christmas means that we can’t give anything to God. It is God Who gives to us: love, care, concern for our well-being, struggles, failures and victories.
But Christmas also means that we can give to one another the kind of understanding, tenderly caring love God gives to us. That is the way each of us can truly bring joy to the world.
