I can’t stop thinking about that first Christmas morning.

Mary and Joseph must have been exhausted, mentally and physically. So much had happened: an unexpected pregnancy, the disbelief–at first–of Joseph, a long trip to Bethlehem to pay taxes, no room in the inn, unexpected guests.

Lying in the manger was the Son of God – the greatest gift the world would ever know. It had happened just like God had said it would. The virgin had indeed given birth as Isaiah had declared 700 years before it happened (Isaiah 7:14). It came to pass in Bethlehem, just as Micah foretold (Micah 5:2). After centuries of waiting, the Messiah had come. With no fanfare, no balloons, no flowers.

God’s most precious treasure had come to earth. Made of flesh and blood. He would change the world. He would change EVERYTHING.

When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden, God knew how it would need to go. He promised to send a Savior. And He did. When the time had fully come, God sent His Son (Galatians 4:4). Oh, the love that brought salvation’s plan!

A bit ago, my son and his new bride were in. One evening we were at the table; she was learning to play Rook (a life skill). Everyone was laughing. I looked over at my smiling son who has a dark brown beard and my heart lurched. How had God done it? I thought to myself. How had He given His Son?

Suddenly, my eyes filled with tears. He noticed. “Are you OK?” he whispered with concern. “Yes,” I squeaked out. But I wasn’t. At that moment, I was undone by the love of God. How had He given His most precious treasure to save mankind? I love all y’all, but I wouldn’t give my son up for anyone.

This Christmas, as we open our presents, ponder and cherish the priceless, magnificent Gift in the manger.

“For God so loved the world, He gave His Only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life,” John 3:16. Amen and amen.