What is it?

In an earlier blog I admitted to the affliction of not being good at presents. Never knowing what to ask for.
As a child I can remember a neighbour visiting us on Christmas morning with presents for my sister and me. It was totally unexpected and I eagerly ripped open the carefully wrapped present. The problem was, to a small boy, it was not immediately apparent what the present was. However, well behaved and good mannered as I was, I remembered to say, “Thank you”. Unfortunately I also added the very simple and understandable statement, “What is it?” At that moment the joy, excitement and feel-good factor of present giving and present receiving changed.

Mrs Hamilton took it well but my simple question brought into question all the thought and planning she had put into buying my present. An old lady had made the effort, taken the time, to first of all think about buying presents for her neighbour’s children and then to go out and buy them. As I said Mrs Hamilton took it well and perhaps there is something we should learn about the manner of giving presents as well as receiving them(similar to the skill of being a good winner as well as good loser!!!)

Now when it comes to the very first Christmas present there is much I still do not understand and cannot fully appreciate about God’s gift to me and to us all that first Christmas, however I learnt from Mrs Hamilton’s Christmas present to truly appreciate all the thought and consideration God has shown to mankind through the gift of His Son and to simply enjoy the gift of God’s love.