As a child, Christmas Eve was almost unbearably exciting with anticipation and there was very little sleep to be had. Up at 5am or before, much to my parents’ despair, then opening up the presents.

I remember very well the joy at finding a wooden toy made by my father, a sixpence and an orange in my stocking. Whatever would children think now?

It was later in life that I received the greatest gift imaginable from our Heavenly Father. As the Bible says: “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 6 v23), and again: “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift” 2 Cor 9 v15.

The wise men brought gifts to the infant Jesus – gold, frankincense and myrrh – and how Mary and Joseph must have wondered about presents such as these.

But the significance would be seen later in the life of Jesus.

Gold for the King, frankincense for the Priest and myrrh for His burial. For He is King of Kings, our great High Priest, and his death at Calvary and resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian faith.

We need to remember these presents and their significance as we give our own to each other.

How important it is to keep in mind what Christmas is for among all the hype around us.

We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ into this world some 2,000 years ago.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3 v16.)

Rejoice! The Saviour has come.

Have a very happy Christmas.