The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2
“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were alone. But God sought out simple people as their companions: some shepherds perhaps because, as they were humble, they would not be dismayed at finding the Messiah in a cave, wrapped in swaddling clothes.
It is to the shepherds of that district that the prophet Isaiah referred: those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them a light has shone…
Naturally, the shepherds would not have set out without taking gifts for the baby. In the eastern world of those days it was inconceivable that anybody should present himself before a respected person without a gift.
They would take what they had: a lamb, cheese, butter, milk, and curd. Doubtless it is not far removed from reality to imagine the scene as portrayed in the countless cribs of our days and in the Christmas carols which Christians sing with simplicity and which many of us may have made the theme of our prayer.
Mary and Joseph, surprised and delighted, invite the shy shepherds to come in and see the child, to kiss him, to sing to him, and too leave their gifts beside the manger. Nor can we go to the cave of Bethlehem without taking our gift.”
F. M. Willan in Life of Mary, 110.
What gift would you bring to Jesus?
He does not need the latest gadget or article of clothing. He wants us, like Willan envisions, to bring what we have like the shepherds no doubt brought what they had.
The message of giving God what you have has transformed the people of Malawi.
Now over 3,000 churches encourage nearly 60,000 children to bring a palmful of maize to Jesus each Sunday. It’s solving hunger problems, leading the lost to faith, and growing the church. See here for yourself.
Willan shares his story of the shepherds and I shared about the children of Malawi. Now the light of Christmas shines on you.
What do you have? What would happen if you entered the cave, set by the manger, and gave Jesus a kiss declaring your adoration and allegiance? What might He do with what your gift?
I guess you have to give it to find out.