What a joy it is to be able to give gifts! As a grandparent, I have enjoyed giving gifts to grandchildren and I have chosen the same gift for each child (the first born of each family) on their first Christmas. It is the Fisher-Price manger scene. Last Christmas I was able to give our first GREAT grandchild her manger scene. It looks a bit different but the main pieces are the same. the stable, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, wise men, and Jesus. I first bought the set I have in 2002 before I had any grandchildren. I was so excited to find a manger scene that children could actually play with – that wouldn’t just sit on a shelf or mantle.

I have kept that first manger scene and put it out every year. Now each of our daughters have their sets as well – some with extra pieces. The shepherds have a hillside with several sheep, there is an inn with an innkeeper and his wife, 3 camels and 3 nomadic tents. (is it because the song “We Three KIngs” has influenced the number of “wise men from the east” we see in most manger scenes, or that the Bible mentions 3 gifts?)

I like the manger scene for several reasons besides the fact that children can play with it. It plays “Away in the Manger” and the star lights up over the manger. It does not bother me that I know the stable was probably a cave, or that the wise men did not visit the night Jesus was born as the shepherds did. It does bother me that Jesus, Mary, and Joseph look like they are of European decent, but Fisher-Price has corrected that in the latest set I gave our great-granddaughter. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus look like they live in the middle east. It does please me that the manger scene is Durable, Dependable, and Delightful – reflecting the reality of the greatest gift – Jesus.

• Durable – Jesus as the one and only Son of God has existed throughout eternity – John 1: 1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He existed in the beginning with God. 3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. 14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

• Dependable – Jesus will never leave us or forsake us. Hebrews 2:17 – Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

• Delightful – Jesus brings peace, joy, and love into our lives. There is nothing as delightful as the love of Jesus. John 3:16 – For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 14:27 – I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Luke 2:9-11 – 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!

As we give gifts this Christmas – may we treasure above everything else the PERFECT gift of Jesus.