大象传媒

Good morning, with the busyness being witnessed in our shopping streets, it means that we are still rushing around looking for that perfect present. My children are adults now, but for many years while they were at school, when they asked me what I wanted as a gift, my response was always 鈥� 鈥榳ell behaved children who are focussed on their learning.鈥� I could see how frustrated they were with my response each year.

I do not envy those who are still on the hunt for the perfect gift. The reality is there is often much pressure as we try to please those we are purchasing for. The season we鈥檙e preparing to celebrate also began with a gift 鈥� a gift of love: 鈥淔or God so loved the world that he gave his only son鈥︹�� Like that gift, We can choose what we do with all the gifts we receive.聽

I know that it takes me a long while to choose a gift for someone as I am often wanting to find something that will be of meaning to them. I do ask the question, 鈥榃ould you like this gift for yourself, or what might this mean to the recipient?鈥�

The gifts given to the new born infant聽 represented aspects of his future life: gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Gold representing his kingship; Frankincense his deity and Myrrh, symbolising his death. Whatever their future meaning, I am sure Mary & Joseph made good use of them.

What can I give him, poor as I am, If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb鈥�yet what I can I give him, give my heart. Amen.