Beloved Friends in Christ,

With Christmas almost upon us, the familiar adage is heard with increasing frequency: "It is more blessed to give than receive". Did you ever wonder who came up with this saying? Do you think it is true?

I suppose one way of finding the answer would be to ask someone who has put this proverb to the test-someone renowned for his generous spirit-someone like Jesus, who gave up the Father's love for the hatred to men, who exchanged His perfect reputation for our tarnished one, who sacrificed heaven for hell and who gave salvation to those who could give Him nothing back. Indeed, Jesus gave like no other has nor anyone ever will.

This being so, and if it is truly more blessed to give than to receive, then in what way was Jesus more blessed? What "good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over" was put into His bosom? Was it the glory that He received as the Saviour of the world? Or the satisfaction of seeing His long time enemy, the devil, defeated? While these things no doubt brought Jesus happiness, the greatest blessing Jesus received is His heart's desire-His bride, the Church, for whom He entered the world and died.

It is herein that we also see the true meaning of Christmas. While there are many who may declare that the true meaning of Christmas is to be found in the proverb, "It is more blessed to give than receive", they are mistaken. Christmas is not about giving unto others. It is about receiving from the perfect Giver. It is about God incarnate as a baby held in the bosom of Mary, yet with this goal in mind: to hold her and all other believers in His bosom for eternity.

Friends, without a doubt, it is more blessed to give than to receive. To be sure, if we give it will be given to us in overflowing measure. And yes, it is important to consider the needs of others. May we do so this Christmas. But above all, let us remember that the ultimate Christmas blessing depends not on our ability to give but upon Him who gave Himself at Bethlehem.

In His service,

Pastor Richard A. Frey