Isaiah told us that God’s special gift would come via special delivery, a baby born of a virgin. This baby would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Four hundred years later, as an elderly Elizabeth was thinking about the promised gift, God was busy wrapping His Christmas present from heaven in human flesh.  When Elizabeth welcomed her cousin Mary, God pulled back the wrapping to give Elizabeth a peek at His present. Her own baby leaped in her womb for joy, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit, saying: 

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.” (Luke 1:42-45) 

Christmas is truly a time for giving. The prophets gave their promises. Elizabeth gave her praise. Mary gave her body and life. Joseph gave up his reputation. The innkeeper gave his stable; the shepherds, their time and praise. And God, well, He gave His Son. 

What will you give this Christmas that will change someone’s life?