More than just a gift.

Admittedly, I do not like shopping at the best of times. The biggest reason being the crowds and the insanity of parking. But, Christmas is different. I always search for the gift that best suits each of my family and friends. My system is simple. I listen all year-long to everyone's hobbies and wish list. When I am in the shop, I also let the Christmas carols that blare over the speakers wash over me, and most of them follow a common theme. The songs proclaim Jesus' long-awaited birth as the Messiah, in the most humbling way.

Each song focuses on Jesus, because He is the reason for the season. One song, also speaks of Jesus's ministry, death and resurrection. Can you guess which one? If you guessed Hark the Herald Angels Sing, you would be right. The song emphasises that Jesus is more than a gift, He is the saviour that draws us back to all-powerful, all-knowing, all-present and Creator Father God. Jesus's sacrifice and rising from the dead gave all of us a way back to God for all time.

Jesus is a lot of things to all of us, but sometimes we forget the very reason He came to earth. Hawk Nelson, the author pens these words at the final verse "Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die, born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth'. You could say that Jesus, out of His great love, constantly has us in mind, and awaits the day that many believers will join Him in His Kingdom which will never end, which is much better than any gift.

The next time you hear Hark the Herald Angels Sing, take the time to listen to the lyrics. Jesus' birth was the first gift, but by His grace and love, He still speaks into the hearts and lives of those who are here now and will hear of Him into the future.