We are surrounded by gifts, not only at Christmas, but all through the year. Every day the greatest gift of all waits for us to receive Him.

During our last class before Christmas break, I incorporated some treasurable stories. I started with a story about one of my sons. When he was younger, we walked along one of the beaches on the west coast of Florida. After viewing some beautiful seashells, starfish, sand dollars and many other interesting things, he asked me why there were more treasures in the sea than on land. I explained how sometimes we get so used to seeing all the treasures around us, that we tend to take them for granted. Just as the little mermaid, Ariel, thought that there was so much more on land.

Very often, people will express themselves with something tangible. Pretzels have been around for many years. History has it, that in A.D. 610, a baker in a monastery in Europe twisted leftover strips of bread dough into the shape of a person’s arms crossed in prayer. They began offering the warm, doughy treats to children who had memorized their Bible verses and prayers. The monks called these treats pretiolas, which is Latin for little rewards.

Over the years, many people have also used the candy cane to share God’s love. Explaining that, the white base color of the candy cane symbolizes the purity of Jesus, the red stripes symbolize Jesus’ blood when He died on the cross, and the J shape represents the J for Jesus.

After giving our class pretzels and candy cane treats, I asked them to share with me what Christmas meant to them. With all the beautiful answers, Gianluca summed them all up with, “Christmas is about how Jesus was born, and we celebrate that.” For unto us a Child is born, and His gift is everlasting.

God’s word reveals, “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put My laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” Then He adds, “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.”

May we receive the greatest gift of all this Christmas and let His love shine throughout the world.

Blessings always,

Deanna Danielle

Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! – 2 Corinthians 9:15