Bible Reading: Matthew 1:23; Luke 2:8-14

There weren't enough gifts under the tree.

Alexis stood in the living room doorway and looked at the place where there were typically stacks and stacks of colorful gifts each year. This year, there were only two small piles. One for her, one for her sister.

Alexis had wanted a new bike this year. Her mom told her it might not happen, but now it looked like she hadn't gotten much at all.

She wasn't supposed to be looking at the presents yet--it was early in the morning and no one else was up. But Alexis had snuck downstairs to see what she had gotten, and now she wished she hadn't.

The floor creaked behind her. "You're up early," Mom said.

Alexis sighed. "I was excited, but…"

Mom put her hands on Alexis's shoulders. "It's not as many gifts this year. I know. I'm sorry. But we'll still have a great day, right?"

Alexis looked up at her mom's hopeful smile. She wanted to agree with her, but it was hard.

"Presents are fun, and I know there are all kinds of things you want," Mom said as they sat down on the couch together. "But Christmas is so much more than that."

Alexis turned her gaze away from the small stacks of presents to the Bible on the coffee table. She gave a sigh and a nod. "It's about Jesus."

Mom smiled. "It is. He's the greatest gift of all." She wrapped her arms around Alexis. "This year might look a little different for you in how many gifts you receive, but you still have the greatest gift. Jesus came to earth as a baby that first Christmas so He could save us from sin and bring us into God's family, and He loves you and will always be with you. And you also have this family, and we'll all be together today."

"And we can still go caroling later?" Alexis asked, suddenly feeling a bit more hopeful about the day.

Mom grinned. "Yes."

"And we'll still have hot chocolate?" Alexis asked.

"Yes," Mom said again, giving her a hug. "There is still so much to be grateful for this Christmas."

– Bethany Acker