In the season of gifts—how can a person give a lasting gift—one that is truly appreciated?

As the story goes, one couple thought they knew. They were not newlyweds, but the promises made on their wedding day remained strong. Do whatever it takes to support the other.

He was a skilled woodworker with the ability to make the most everyday pieces into works of art—armed with the tools to make it happen.

She was a homemaker with a beautiful head of hair. If it could be considered it a skill, she was able to style it in a variety of ways. Occasionally though, a strand or two would fall.

The Christmas season was upon them and their local store seemed to carry whatever a heart might desire—its windows adorned with the delights of what was inside.

Footsteps slowed as the wife admired the display of costly hair adornments. One comb in particular caught her fancy—it was easy to see it could hold up the most belligerent of hair. As she lingered her husband followed her gaze and determined the perfect gift. She was worth it.

Another window held a display of exotic wood from around the world.  The possibilities of what could be built were endless. This time it was the husbands lingering gaze that his wife noted. What a marvelous gift this would make. He was worth it.

Each held a glint in their eye as secret plans took shape. The love they shared was worth the sacrifice.

The season of gift-giving began with the celebration of the birth of Jesus. A heaven-sent infant would be the Savior of the world. Astrologers came with gifts. Jesus grew as most children do and interestingly, his earthly father was a woodworker. Like the husband in this story, Jesus was familiar with the tools of the trade—and a whole lot more. He too, had a glint in his eye of the perfect gift to give.

He knew the needs of mankind— and it was worth the sacrifice.

Plans had already been set in motion.

Jesus had the skill to heal, give hope and freely doled out encouragement. He shared another way of living—available just for the asking. Jesus took what this world offered—the disdain, the ridicule, and the hate—all the way to the cross.

As he hung there suffering, Jesus forgave the sinners that put him there and eventually died. Was it worth the sacrifice? You betcha. Because he didn’t stay dead. His rising to life again paved the way for people to live in a place where there is no pain, no heartache, no suffering. Heavenly, yes? His eyes were filled with love and took joy in what he gave.

The gifts that this husband and wife exchanged took an ironic turn. The husband sold his best saw so he could purchase that special comb for his wife. Only his wife had cut her hair and sold it so she could purchase the wood her man admired!

This story is not new, but it does bring home the reason for the season. In the gift-giving—it is all about the joy of sacrificial love. Please don’t linger on the receiving end of what Jesus offers, because you are worth it.