Gifts are so inseparably linked to Christmas. We can hardly think of one without the other.

The giving of gifts at Christmas has its origin in God giving to the world the greatest of all gifts: His son Jesus, given as saviour of the world.

In Jesus, God comes to this world giving all his loving kindness, forgiveness, compassion, tenderness and understanding.

God's gift is so wonderfully summed up in that great Christmas verse in the bible: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." John 3-16.

These words tell us so much about God. His most precious gift is given to all mankind, with all His love, nothing held back, and along with His gracious gift comes the promise of life with Him extending beyond this world to all who would believe Him and accept Him as saviour.

Some people may have never heard of God's Christmas gift, others have heard but do not acknowledge the love of the giver, while others have accepted their gift and received new meaning to life.

Imagine the feelings when wishing to pass on an expensive Christmas gift to a friend who would not accept it, or taking the gift and then putting it on a shelf without unwrapping it.

We know how much young children love to receive gifts.

The wrap is quickly removed to receive and treasure the gift.

This brings joy to the one receiving the gift and to the giver of the gift.

God is overjoyed when we accept and treasure Jesus His gracious Christmas gift.

God does not love less when His gift is not accepted.

Although saddened, He keeps on loving.

He shows this by feeling with all people in all situations in life, by rejoicing with the joyful and sharing the feelings of the troubled.

Jesus comes alongside us with His loving care and says: "I am here to walk with you and guide you to a good ending to your trials. I ask you to be patient and trust me as your saviour."

This Christmas, as much as any other, God invites all people to accept Jesus, God's saving gift.

I wish you a joyful and safe Christmas.