You get to choose one gift — no price restrictions — for any person you want. The caveat? You have to give it anonymously. What gift would you give, and to whom?

Come with  me to Bethlehem. Do you see the star? Something amazing is happening over there. I see the Shepherds. I see the Angels. Let us follow the 3 Wise Men and go see for ourselves.  That would be my present. Let’s go see for ourselves, the Savior born in Bethlehem, Emmanuel – God is with us!

The Gift of His Presence

©2013 Diana Rasmussen

My prayer for you this Christmas
Is to receive what Christ has done
A baby born in a manger
Has come to save everyone

Let your sorrow be turned to joy
Let your ashes be turned to beauty
When Christ is born inside your heart
Even the Angels in Heaven sing

Open your heart to receive Him
Let the Love of God rush in
Unwrap the Gift of His Presence
Receive comfort, joy, and peace

An Event for Everyone

There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”

 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

 As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.

Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told! (Luke 2:8-20 MSG)