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Bows and Ribbons

Luke 2:11 – “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

When my wife and I were first dating I would bring her different gifts to express my feelings for her. I usually wrapped the gifts in the comic section of the Sunday newspaper or used some type of sales circular or printed paper. The wrapping paper was inexpensive and there were no beautiful ribbons or bows. 

We are entering into the Christmas season. This is a festive time that will be filled with family gatherings and Christmas shopping for our family and the ones we love.  For many in our secular society this season has become about little more than ribbons and bows. It is about elaborate presents wrapped in beautiful paper with colorful ribbons and bows. 

The first gift of Christmas was not wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bows. The first present of Christmas was a savior. In Luke 2:8-11 there is an angelic announcement, “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’” 

This Savior was born in a lowly stable to a young Jewish mother. Luke writes in Luke 2:7 that Mary “wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger.” Swaddling clothes were strips of cloth that were used to wrap the baby at birth.  He wasn’t born in a sterile hospital, but in a lowly stable and laid in a feeding trough.  

His birth was the first and greatest gift of Christmas.  In John 3:16 we learn, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  This gift didn’t come wrapped with beautiful ribbons or bows. As we spend time buying and wrapping presents for those we love let us remember the One who came wrapped in swaddling clothes. 



Comments

Unknown said…
Amen. He was born in such meager conditions and he can relate to everyone’s suffering now. Faithful and greatest high priest, Jesus Christ!
December 14, 2017 at 10:34 PM
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