God sent a present into the world,

the gift of a loving presence named Jesus.

The gospel stories indicate that Jesus gave few material things to people.

What he gave most was his personal presence,

gifts that were treasure of the heart:

belief in self,

inner healing,

peace of mind,

compassion,

forgiveness,

dignity

and justice.

This loving presence lives on in us and is the central focus of Christmas gift-giving.

Joyce Rupp

Out of the ordinary: prayers, poems, and reflections for every season