This World Mission Souvenir was purchased at a street market on a snowy afternoon in Kiev, Ukraine. The figure is Suyatyy Mykolay, (St. Nicholas), who is closely connected to Did Moroz (Father Frost). Both characters are associated with generosity and kindness. The concept of the benevolent gift-giver seems to be common at Christmastime in most Western cultures. Like our Santa Claus, does this identify a secular reflection of the true Christmas story? Ever wonder if our practice of exchanging Christmas presents originates with the Magi who brought their gifts to the Christ Child?
Setting aside the imaginary aspects of our society’s holiday customs, let’s focus again on the Divine Gift-giver, our Heavenly Father, and the gift he gave at the first Christmas, his own Son to be be our Redeemer. More important than mistletoe, ornaments and wrapping paper, the true significance of Christmas is as Paul described the Baby born in Bethlehem so long ago: For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men (Titus 2). What a gift: God’s grace appeared to us in Christ Jesus!
(The ELS relationship with the Thoughts of Faith ministry in Ukraine is conducted by the Europe Committee of the Board for World Outreach.)