He before whom a few gifts were laid in that lowly manger has spread so many gifts before us, thereby providing an unending Christmas.

Christmastide prompts us to be more tolerant and giving, more generous and genuine, more filled with hope and charity and love. No wonder the spirit of Christmas touches the hearts of people the world over.

It is a glorious thing to have old St. Nicholas in our hearts and in our homes today, whether he enters the latter through the open door or creeps down the chimney on Christmas Eve.

George MacDonald’s lines present a contrasting view of the figure that the people are expecting and the figure that arrives.

Only [the wise men] kneeled before the young child, Jesus. They had a star within that enabled them to see the star without. They saw it with the eyes of faith, and it brought them to Jesus.

Faithful shepherds will always be found at their posts, with Jesus at the center of their lives and hearts because they know and love Him.

There is a difference between presents and gifts. True gifts may be part of ourselves - giving of the riches of the heart - more enduring and of far greater worth than things bought at the store.

We can keep Christ in Christmas by giving to others some of what He has given to us, such as forgiveness, kindness, charity, and love. The most precious gift is the gift of ourselves.