The Gift Who Came, The Hope We Carry

Even after the tree comes down, the lights dim and the wrapping paper is gone, the meaning of Christmas lingers—because the true gift of Christmas isn’t something we unwrap. It’s someone we receive.

When the noise settles and the spending stops, what remains is the deeper invitation of the season: to remember the gift behind every gift, and to reflect on the one who gave Himself for us—Jesus Christ.

One powerful story helps bring this truth into focus. The Man and the Birds, made famous by radio legend Paul Harvey, tells of a kind and honest man who struggled to believe in the idea of God becoming human. It seemed impossible until a snowstorm and a flock of birds shifted his perspective.

As the birds flew frantically into his window trying to escape the cold, the man longed to help. He opened his barn, laid a trail of breadcrumbs, even waved his arms to guide them  to a warm barn, but they scattered in fear. “If only I could become one of them,” he thought. “Then they’d know I was here to help.”

And in that moment, he gets it. He falls to his knees in the snow as the church bells ring out Adeste Fidelis, and the meaning of Christmas breaks through.

That’s what God did.
He didn’t shout from heaven or send instructions from a distance.
He came near.
He became one of us.

John 1:14 reminds us:

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”

That’s the incarnation—God with us, God for us, God stepping into the storm to lead us home.

This is the gift that makes every other gift meaningful. It’s not about pressure or performance or proving anything through our generosity. It's giving to others, glorifying the One who gave everything.

When you think back over this season, or look ahead to what’s next, remember this: Christ isn’t just one of many Christmas gifts. He’s the gift above them all. The gift that brings hope, peace, and salvation not just for a day, but for every day.

And as we carry this hope forward into the new year, may our lives reflect His light through every act of kindness, every dollar stewarded faithfully, every invitation extended in love.

Let this be the Christmas—and the year—that you remember not just what you gave or received, but the One who gave Himself for you.

NEXT STEPS: If you want to go a little deeper, please listen to Money Made Faithful podcast Episode #208 titled: A Christmas to Remember - The Gift Who Came, The Hope We Carry (16 minutes) 

Apple: Episode #208- A Christmas to Remember - The Gift Who Came, The Hope We Carry

Spotify: Episode #208- A Christmas to Remember - The Gift Who Came, The Hope We Carry