Here’s a common question often asked after the Christmas Holyday has passed by. I remember trying to keep a list so that I could give an accurate answer when asked. “Socks, a magazine, sweater,” and on and on.

One time, as a child, I remember that my mother made new dresses for all our dolls. In fact, she created a wedding party with my doll, Jillimallien, as the bride and my sisters’ dolls as the attendants. It was a big wedding party with all six girl children participating. We were completely surprised and pleased beyond words. My mother was great for Christmas surprises.

Another Christmas brought a new missal and a pair of ice skates. These gifts were memorable for me, even fifty plus years later. Christmas gifts were not opened in our house until we returned from church on Christmas morning. We had to run, literally, through the living room to get to the car. This added to the suspense because you could take a little peek at the tree and the bounty piled beneath it. It also seemed to add to the length of the church service.

However, there is one gift that wasn’t always, but now must be at the top of my list, the one that is truly the greatest gift that you or I could ever receive. It is the gift of eternal life. It is redemption in the form of a baby born thousands of years ago in the town of Bethlehem. Yes, it is Jesus, brought to us in human form to bridge the divide which sin created and to bring light to the world.

Certainly, a mystery, way beyond by ability to understand, but one that I welcome with the practice of faith. I welcome it and cherish it, knowing that this great gift represents the unconditional love which God has for me and for you. God loves us unconditionally. Halleluiah!

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law.”  Galatians 4:4

Terri