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”

Maurie and I celebrated the Birthday of our savior and king, very quietly, but over the weekend we were also invited to the 50th birthday party of a friend, who 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?

I was saddened that attendance at services was down this Christmas… though not just at St Paul’s. Someone commented that the heavy rain may have been to blame but the rain seems not to have impacted negatively on attendance in our shopping centers. If I was saddened, and other clergy I spoke to were distressed (and depressed) 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