I am writing this in the lead up to Christmas in the UK and the question for many will be what can I give? What gift can I give to a friend or a relative? Or even what I can afford to give?

But is this all that Christmas represents? An annual gift giving exchange. Yet each gift that is wrapped has taken thought, time, transport and money.

In the story of the magi (wise men) in the bible in Matthew 2 we read that they had travelled from the East because they had seen the star for the King of the Jews and they wanted to come and worship him. They went to Herod the King and asked where they could find him? Perhaps they thought he would be in a palace because he was a King?

When they left Herod they followed the star to where the young Child was. When they saw Jesus they fell down and worshipped him. Only then did they get out their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh from their treasure chests. They had thought what gifts would be appropriate. Gold for a King. Frankincense a symbol of fragrance and worship and myrrh as anointing oil.

I used to play the piano when I was younger and I had a hymn book. I can remember a moment when a light went on in my heart. I read a verse from the song In the Bleak Mid Winter written by Christina Rossetti. It says “what can I give him poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a wise man I would do my part; Yet what I can I give him: give my heart.” As I read these words I recognised that there was something bigger than anything material in life that we can give. And that was our heart. Our love, our commitment and our worship.

Before the Magi (wise men) gave their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to Jesus they worshipped him. They gave from their hearts. This Christmas as we exchange gifts with those we know pause and remember the first Christmas and what it says about what is important in life. That it is not just the material gift we give someone but the love we have in our heart for them. It is not just about a once in a year present but also giving time to them and getting to know them the rest of the year.

When the Magi (wise men) gave their gifts they met the greatest gift to humanity in Jesus. The gift of a relationship with God for those who choose to believe in him. The gift of eternal life. The gift of forgiveness and transformation. And as we give our hearts we receive his love, his forgiveness and his comfort in whatever is going on.

In Revelation 3:20 it says “I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me.”

Maybe this Christmas you have no one to celebrate with. Maybe you have lots of people around you and still feel alone. Maybe you just want to know Jesus. If as you have read this you have felt God may be speaking to you then invite him in.