The Heavenly Gift Tag

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord... And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, (Luke 2:11, 13 ESV)

When one picks a present for a loved one, the shopping and careful research brings joy. Concealing the chosen gift in beautiful wrapping paper can summon a smile as we imagine the look on our loved one's face when they discover and unwrap. The last and perhaps greatest joy is the reading of the tag and presentation of the gift, for the anticipation and joy meet at their highest point.

The tag and presentation for the Greatest Gift of all occurred two-thousand years ago on the rolling hillsides around Bethlehem. The angelic choirs proclaimed "To: All mankind From: God" to a bleary eyed and wondering group of shepherds, but even they could not fail to recognize the royal print on the wrapping paper and holy handwriting on the note.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the joy and surprise of the gift receiver is ours today and on every Christmas. Let our hearts be filled with warmth and true gratefulness in this season, and may we never set aside the desire for more of that Gospel joy until the day we celebrate in eternity with the Gift-Giver. May we glow with joy and praise as the angels did that night, and may your glory draw all men to yourself. In Jesus' name, amen.