Gift giving … it's an interesting mix of protocol, and tradition and economics. This year the two advertising pitches that stand out for me are the commercials where the receiver of the gift protests that the giver shouldn't have spent so much – either because in one, the little girl hasn't been so good and proceeds to confess all her misdeeds, or another where the woman says she didn't think the relationship had progressed to a point where an expensive gift was appropriate. In both cases the givers admit they didn't spend that much on the gift. The other trend most noticeable this year is related to the economy. Again and again we hear the promises of retailers that by shopping at their store we can buy everything our families want without spending a lot of money. Culturally Christmas gift giving has taken on a life of its own, become an end unto itself … most gift-givers have stopped linking their giving as a reflection of God's gift of Jesus Christ. Exchanging gifts is just a part of the whole secular Christmas package.

Tonight we spend some sacred time together so that we might remember and experience anew what our gift-giving means. At our best, gift giving is a giving ourselves without expectation, thanks or reciprocity. Think about this for a moment – when we truly give a gift to another we are taking a risk. In truly offering a gift, we are offering a part of ourselves … we are becoming vulnerable to the one who will receive our gift. Will he like it? Is it the right thing to give? Will my gift be rejected? It is a lot like a marriage proposal … for those of you who have even been in the position of proposing – do you remember what it was like to ask THE question? A gift might also take on the shape of restoring our relationship with another person. In the Home Alone movie the lead character Kevin finds himself sitting next to his neighbor in church during the Annual Christmas pageant rehearsal. The neighbor asks if Kevin has been good this year and Kevin admits he has missed the mark in that department. The neighbor reveals he is there watching his granddaughter in the rehearsal because he doesn't think his son would be happy to see him at the performance.

"I came to hear my granddaughter sing. I'm not welcome with my son. I argued with my son. Lost temper. Said I didn't care to see him anymore. My son said the same. We haven't seen each other since."

"If you miss him, why not call him?" asks Kevin.

The old man says he is afraid, but Kevin encourages him to make the first move if only to find out if the son will respond. Offering the gift of restoration … making the first move is another risky gift to offer. Is there someone this Christmas you need to offer that gift to?

We come tonight to remember the why of our gift giving – that our gifts, our actions are the reflection of God's gift to us. The gift of the Christ child is the greatest gift. And as the giver God risks it all – God becomes vulnerable to us, God risks rejection and refusal by us. God is born as a fragile infant, with all the risks inherent in trusting in humans to raise a child, care for another being, and see the truth that is this child … the Son of God.

We also come tonight to renew our desire to for the Christ child to dwell in our hearts, so that everything that we do … our gifts … . our very lives … . are reminders and signs to others that God's love is here and dwells with us … not only on this fleeting night … but every night, every moment.

As we remember the wonder and mystery of Christ's birth, as we hear the story again, and sing the carols and feel the warm glow of candlelight, may our hearts be open to receiving Christ into our hearts … .and may our lives be a gift to others as we bring the good news to all people – that on this night is born in the city of Bethlehem a Savior who is the Messiah.