This holiday season I have been on a special mission. I call it “In search of the Waltons at Christmas.”

So many people seem to be struggling this year with family relationships. I have overheard them in the malls and department stores.

“Well, I’m not spending much on him this year. I don’t even like him. I’m doing this because I have to!”

One woman filled with the spirit of giving said: “I’ll buy this and keep it upstairs. If she doesn’t have something for me I’m not wasting my good money on her.”

Although the Waltons had typical brother/sister clashes mixed with a few inter generational disagreements, they were very much intact as a family. I believe many viewers tuned in longing for that special place where all problems were resolved in an hour.

My search recently took me to a local church where I sat pondering the meaning of it all. After about ten minutes a father and young child about five years old walked in breaking the silence and disrupting my meditative state. In reality the peace and quiet nearly lulled me off to sleep.

“Daddy, look the manger!” The young boy said.

“Is that Santa over there?” He asked pointing to one of the three wise men.

“No, son. They are the Three Kings bringing presents to Jesus.” Replied Dad.

“Christmas presents?”

“No. I guess you can say they are birthday presents. Remember we told you that Christmas is really our celebration of the birth of Jesus.”

The young boy paused for a moment seemingly satisfied with Dad’s answer. Then, as children will do, asked the unanswerable question that warms your heart and often puts you in your place.

“Daddy, what are we giving Jesus for His birthday this year?”

Silence. Then drawing on the wisdom of the ages and the creative parental genes that make us what we are, Daddy said…”I don’t know. Ask your Mom.”

They left right after that. Peace and quiet returned to this great sanctuary leaving me to think about what that child had to say. If I were there that sacred evening drawn by the light of the star of Bethlehem what gift would I offer Him?

I really had no idea. First, I can’t begin to imagine kneeling before Him in the presence of Joseph and Mary.

But a gift from me to Jesus? What thing of value could I possible give to my Lord?

This was a thought that overwhelmed me. I pride myself in having the ability to at least come up with options, choices for people who share their personal problems with me. But the thought of me having anything that Jesus would want brought tears of sadness for I felt I had nothing to offer Him.

So I did what the young child had done earlier. I turned to my Father and asked…”Oh, God what could I possibly offer your Son as a gift? I really have nothing of value.”

I sat quietly and totally oblivious to the world. A small voice inside my soul said “The same thing He had given you. His Life! Give Him your life. Not sacrificed on a cross. But lived to honor Him.”

I wept openly.

Here is my message to you celebrating the birth of Christ and to each of you who value your faith whatever it may be. The greatest gifts exchanged this Holiday Season will not be those found wrapped under your tree or shared in sacred ceremony dedicated to your God. The greatest gift of all, more valuable than gold, not traded on Wall Street, not held in vaults for safe keeping…is YOU!

You are the greatest of all gifts given to this world, your family, and your community. Your wealth is not in your checking account, but your actions, your life, your spirit as you live a positive, passion filled existence. That makes you valuable beyond measure.

My gift to you this Holiday is this message. Sorry it wasn’t wrapped in fancy paper. It was really much too big. It is about your life. Now live it.

Merry Christmas!

“I believe in you!” Bob Perks Bob@BobPerks.com © 2003, Bob Perks. I encourage you to share my stories with your friends but, when copying I ask that you keep my name and contact information attached along with this notice. Use of this story for commercial purposes is prohibited without direct permission from the author.