Long time ago there ruled in Persia a good and wise king. He loved his people. He wanted to see their struggles and hardships. Often he would dress in the clothes of a working man or a beggar, and go to the homes of the poor. No one among those he visited ever thought that he was their king.
One time he stayed with a very poor man who lived in a cellar. He ate the coarse food the poor man ate. He spoke kind and cheerful words to him. Then he left.
Later he visited the poor man again and revealed his identity by saying, “I am your king!” The king thought the man would surely ask for some gift or favor, but he didn’t. Instead he said, “You left your palace to visit me in this dark and dreary place. You ate the coarse food I ate. You brought gladness to my heart! To others you have given your rich gifts. To me you have given yourself!”
This Christmas season, as the Christian world celebrates the birth of their king, it would be well for us to remember that the King of glory, Jesus Christ, gave Himself to us. The Bible calls this “the unspeakable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15.
And of all the gifts that we enjoy because of Jesus coming down from heaven to earth [family, friends, health, jobs, homes, including the blessing of love, joy, peace, etc.], none is more precious and valuable than the gift of Himself. When God gave, He gave the best there was in heaven- His only Son. And we can have the greatest blessing if we accept this gift and allow Him to be born into our hearts again, not as a helpless baby but as Savior and Lord of our lives.
Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year!