What’s the most extravagant gift you’re giving for Christmas this year? Is there a gift you’re giving that requires a sacrifice on your part? There are a lot of things my son has asked for that the catalog he found them in promises are legal, but I’m not totally convinced. I mean, the giant chem-light and the waterproof matches, okay. But what about the handcuffs? … I’m afraid if I click on the wrong thing on their website I may just sacrifice my freedom for a while! Most of the gifts we give, however, don’t require great sacrifice on our part.

I was humbled today by one of our children who comes on the van each Sunday from Hearthwood. The Thelma Carter Circle generously provided each of the children with a fruit basket for Thanksgiving, as many of the families are struggling financially. Taking them home after church Christi saw a panhandler and gave him some money and a Bible. As they watched her hand it to the man one of the children said, “Mrs. Christi, can I give him my basket?”

Here’s a child who has so little, but she wanted to share her blessings with someone who was in need. She had no idea that Christi had an extra basket to replace hers. For all she knew, she was going to do without. But she gave what she had to help someone else.

And when you think about it, what we celebrate at Christmas is a similar story. God saw us in desperate need, spiritually. And so He gave all He had—His one and only Son—so that our needs could be met. That little baby whose birth we commemorate with gifts and singing was God’s sacrificial gift to us. That the Creator of the universe would love me enough to do that for me is amazing. And I’m glad He provides me with people like little Ashika to remind me of the kind of selfless sacrifice that God had for me, and I should have for others.

It’s made me take a new look at what I give—both at Christmas and at other times of the year. Besides, I’m not sure about this catalog. I mean, what kind of place sells smoke grenades and lock picks in the “stocking stuffers” section? And nothing says “Peace on earth, goodwill to men” like a brass “paperweight” that strongly resembles a set of knuckledusters! God bless us, everyone!