Loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children, and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Robert Louis Stevenson
(1850-1894)

“Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)

The first Christmas gift was also the best—a Savior. Through Jesus’ birth and death and resurrection, He reconciled God and man. We no longer have to stagger under the burden of guilt and shame. Our hearts can be clear, because Jesus paid the penalty for our sins. We can be forgiven if we repent and believe in Him.

God’s love overcomes hatred and evil, and enables us to love one another. His kindness to us inspires us to be kind to one another. When we are grateful for His forgiveness, we are moved to forgive others. This spirit of love and kindness and forgiveness lasts not only for the Christmas season, but all life long for those who have accepted God’s gift.

This year as you give gifts to others, remember God’s greatest gift of all—Jesus. His love allows us to “share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men.”