The Gift of Nothing
… ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Acts 20:35
ME: If it is Your birthday, why are we getting the gifts?
JESUS: That is a reasonable question. My response is quite simple; there is nothing that you can buy Me or anything I want that would fit in a brightly wrapped box or gift bag. I already have everything and even more. That is why I share with you, My child.
ME: But it makes no sense the way we do it. It seems just backwards. We should give You some kind of gift instead of nothing.
JESUS: Many of you have figured this out and realize the importance of giving all year. I am not talking about store-bought gifts but about all the other presents you have written about like love, hope, joy, peace, laughter, family and the rest. December 25th is only a calendar day; the reminder of the beginning of My earthly life.
ME: Jesus, if I could give You one gift, what would You want me to give You?
JESUS: You have really missed My point. Try to listen with your heart and not your ears. There is no physical gift you can give to Me. I have riches beyond measure and that is why I give to you.
ME: But You have done so much for me, and for all people.
JESUS: You speak the truth that I gave out of My Love for you all.
ME: How can we possibly repay You?
JESUS: You can start by giving love out of your heart to others. When I walked on this earth, I taught that it is better to give than receive. But stop with all the expensive purchases! You don’t even need a box or wrapping paper to tell someone about Me and how much I love them. When you do that, in faith, you have given a gift of great value.
ME: Jesus, this goes against our world view of Christmas with all the presents piled under the tree. I’m not sure I can be that simple with my traditions.
JESUS: Yes, I know. Someday it will make more sense to you. I long for relationship and conversation and again, you cannot tie a pretty bow on those things.
ME: Jesus, I’ve got to think about all this. In the meantime, how about if I just tell You that I love You and I am eternally grateful that You were born.
JESUS: That will do well!