O Holy Night 

Bronwyn Howell
Sydney, Australia

Scripture Reading:

Luke 2:1-20

In Luke 2:1-20, we read of the gift of Jesus and His entry into this world. And if, like me, you have read this passage many times it is easy to become numb to the gracious, incredible gift God gave us in His son, Jesus.

A gift is “a thing given willingly to someone without payment or expectation of compensation.” It is for the recipient’s benefit and is intended to show them that you care.

What is a gift that you value greatly? Why?

Sometimes we value a gift simply because of the person who gave it.

I remember collecting my children from preschool and being proudly presented with a pasta-and-paper necklace that I was then expected to wear shopping.

Sometimes we value a gift because of what it is.

I love my engagement ring because it represents Mike’s devotion to me and a promise of a godly marriage.

Sometimes we value a gift because of what it cost the giver.

My mother worked as a teacher to give me an education. She never complained and never sought gratitude.

Why do you value the gift of Jesus?

We value the Giver:  Jesus is given to us by God our Heavenly Father. 

“…to us a child is born, to us a son is given...” - Isaiah 9: 6-7

We value what it is:  God gave us His one and only son.  (John 3:16)

I cannot imagine giving one of my children to someone I could not trust to care for them. In Genesis 6:5-6, God clearly sees the wickedness in our hearts and His heart is filled with pain. Jesus was the most precious gift God could give and God gave Jesus knowing what would happen to Him. 

We value what it cost the Giver: It cost God and Jesus more than I could possibly write here. And I urge you to stop and think about that cost. Some helpful verses are: Isaiah 52:13-53:12 (“ …a man of suffering and familiar with pain…”), Philippians 2: 5-11 (“… he made himself nothing …”), Matthew 27:43 (“…My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?…”).

How do you value the gift of Jesus?

Earlier this year I visited my daughter, and I wanted to give her a small present to show my love. I remembered tasting a most delicious chocolate truffle and decided to buy her some. Later in the year I visited her again and, by chance, came across those truffles in the back of her cupboard - squashed, out-of-date, and uneaten. My immediate reaction was to feel very hurt. But, I reasoned, they were a gift given in love and I could not dictate her response.

Likewise, God will not control how we respond to the gift of Jesus. To my shame, I often treat God’s gift like that box of chocolate truffles. God’s gift is shoved behind my busy life, all the important things I have to do, my reputation, and my needs. I come to the end of the day and the only person I have served is me.

How can I accept God’s gift well?

Be grateful. Examine the gift, consider what it cost, keep it proudly displayed and say “Thank you” every day.

Use it for what it was intended. God gave you Jesus so you could be saved and then “live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1). Consider what that life is for you and plan how to live it.

Tell others about your wonderful gift and the wonderful giver of that gift.  On that night so long ago, God gave the world an incredible, valuable, powerful, and loving gift. What you do with that gift is now up to you.

“Let the one who is thirsty come and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” Revelation 22:17b

Questions for Reflection:

1. What makes the gift of Jesus so special for you?
2. How can you accept God’s gift well? 

Today I Will:

Draw or make a little gift. Put it somewhere you will see it frequently--on your screen saver, on your fridge, on your phone, or car steering wheel. When you see it, remember God’s gift to you. Then, be grateful, use it for what it was intended, and tell someone about it! 

About the Author:

Bronwyn Howell was baptised in 1985 in Sydney, Australia, during her final year of medical school. She and her husband, Mike, have three children who are all disciples. The Howells are in the Sydney Church, where Mike serves as an elder.

To hear a special version of "O Holy Night" performed by your sister Amy Kinzer, please click the image below: