Today we remember the original gift bearers to our Lord and king… Jesus. We are never really told how many were present, but we do know that they gave expensive gifts, befitting a King… Gold and Frankincense and Myrrh!

I wonder how many people considered what sort of a gift they might offer to our King? The little drummer boy, in the carol, says “I have no gift to bring, that’s fit to give the king,” but, “I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum 
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum” 

We have many friends who, of late have celebrated significant birthdays, and, especially with those who are celebrating later in life, we are invited to the party but asked for our “presence not presents.”

In reality, I am sure that our presence is far more important to Jesus as well… like the little drummer boy we are to give the best of ourselves, our hearts and our souls… but how many offered even a thought for Jesus on the day when we celebrated his birth?

Sadly, presents seem to be the priority of many as testified by falling church attendances at Christian festivals over the years… although ours have remained pretty static… Worse, I note that shops are already selling hot cross buns! While the post Christmas sales are still in swing, the reason for the holiday is forgotten as the commercial sector gears up for the next string of festivals, mindless of the Christ child and  the great gift of love wrapped up in swaddling clothes – God become human!

But, if I am saddened, and others are shocked, distressed (and depressed) about this trend, I wonder what our God must feel about the total disregard shown by so many of His children.

Let us pray that hearts may return to our God and that we may find new means to share the gospel with those who have turned away and seem to have forgotten the way home.

Christmas blessings

Reverend Shan