In Matthew 2:11 we read, "They offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."

Once upon a time on a Christmas Eve night not long ago, a lady who was not rich or poor, but whom God had blessed with a comfortable life and family was showing a little girl her Christmas tree.  The little girl asked, "What's Christmas?"  The lady answered, "Why, child, don't you know?  Christmas is Christ's birthday, and this is the tree, and these are the Christmas presents.  The red one over there is a hunting jacket for my husband.  The big brown package is a computer game for my granddaughter.  The green one there is a calculator for my son.  The striped one is a blouse for my niece."  And so on over the huge pile of presents, the lady named them off for the little girl.  When she had finished the little girl was silent as she looked over all the presents.  Then she quietly asked, "Where's his?"  "What do you mean?" asked the lady.  "Have I forgotten someone?  I've gone over my list so many times.  Who have I forgotten?"  The little girl replied, "Didn't you say Christmas is Christ's birthday?  Where is his present?"

Friend of Dial Hope, Christmas reminds us that we, like the wise men, can bring Christmas gifts to the Christ child and his church.  We can put him and his church on our list.  Now kick your spiritual life up a notch and make today a masterpiece.  God has blessed you to be a blessing to others.

Let us pray: O God, thank you for the many gifts you give to us, including the joy of loving and being loved by you.  During this season of Advent, help us to make room in our hearts for the Christ child, that we may pass on to others your precious gift of love.  Prayerfully, we send your wrap-around unconditional love to the chaplains and the men and women serving our country in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other far away places.  Be with those calling Dial Hope from helicopters.  And, Lord, be with all veterans, especially those who served in Vietnam who continue to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.  Lift everyone to your redemptive love in the Christ child, Jesus Christ.  We pray in his name.  Amen.