I was thinking about the visit of the Magi. In the story we read that they brought gifts to the Christ. They weren't just any gifts, but gifts of great value. He is worthy of gifts of great value, yet we give him lip service and Christmas lists. One king held the frankincense, one king held the myrrh, one king held the purest gold, and one King held the hope of the world. Because he came, born of a virgin, we have hope. Hope for our future, but also hope for today. He is a very present help in time of trouble. He is the one who sticks closer than a brother. He is the one who stretched out his arms to embrace the fullness of my sin, and then nailed it to the cross. He is my Savior, of whom I am not worthy. My heart is defiled with the blackest of evil, yet He is the great physician. He is able to perform heart transplants. I don't yet know what plans He has in mind for me. That's OK. His thoughts and ways are not mine. I just know that He knows me better than I know myself, and I know me well. There is no good work, no restitution that will make right the wrongs I have committed. Only the blood of Jesus Christ is able to cleanse my putrid soul. In Him, and Him alone will we ever find truth and freedom. Whom the Son sets free is free indeed. As you make your way through the mazes of people and places this Christmas, please remember that He holds the hope of the world. He is the King of Kings.
Have a very Merry Christmas.

God bless.