CHRISTMAS GIFTS IN A MINUTE

CHRISTMAS GIFTS IN A MINUTE by Pastor Shah, Clearview Church, Henderson

Every Christmas you hear some complaints about how we have commercialized the birth of Jesus and how we are so materialistic. What does gift giving have to do with Christmas? Contrary to what you may think, it was not inspired by the magi. In fact, the Christian practice of giving gifts began with St. Nicholas, the pastor of Myra, who rode across Asia Minor distributing gifts to poor children. December 6^th in the Western Church and December 19^th in the Eastern Church became St. Nicholas’ Day – a day to give gifts to children – and in time this practice merged with December 25^th. So next time you go shopping, enjoy buying gifts for your loved ones but don’t forget to be generous to the less fortunate. After all, we were undeserving but God gave us the gift of Jesus. Merry Christmas!