Mary Wrapped God's Gift To The World


Many years ago a young couple was a part of a dramatic story in history that intercepted time itself. Until then almost no one on earth had ever heard of them, but all of Heaven was watching as they made their journey to the tiny town of Bethlehem.

Babies are born every day. Even in unusual locations. One of my aunts gave birth to a baby in her driveway. It wasn't the plan, but sometimes the baby decides the wait is over. For Joseph and Mary it would take place with no room available, so Mary's firstborn son would be wrapped in cloths and laid in a manger...just an animal feeding bin. That was a pretty unusual set of circumstances, but it was all a part of God's plan. Jesus hadn't come simply for those in palaces. He had come for all. Those with and without means; those in good health, and those who were sick; those who loved God, and those who were far away from Him.

In this season most of us will do some giving. We will give gifts to loved ones and friends, coworkers and neighbors. My wife is a professional when it comes to wrapping those gifts. I used to manage a christian bookstore that offered gift wrapping. I remember being in the store alone and having a customer request I wrap it. Halfway through she asked if I would let her finish the task. My wife on the other hand can wrap the most unusually shaped item, and make it look like a masterpiece. Paper selection is based on age, gender, and her incredible ability to somehow recall which wrapping paper was used for this individual the previous year. I can't even remember what socks I have on without looking down. Her gifts, like yours, will generally be accompanied by a gift tag. After all, this gift is for a specific individual.

This wasn't the case for the first gift ever wrapped. The Bible says that God so loved the world he gave His Son. Mary then wrapped the first Christmas gift and laid him in a manger. He wasn't only her gift though, He was everyone's. I hope that this Christmas you will receive the greatest gift ever given to you. The gift of Jesus. 

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

And if you have received this gift then be sure to give it away. The gift of Jesus is for everyone.

Following The Son,

James A Williams

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