By Larry Iverson
Synod Minister

On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts…
Matthew 2:11

In the presence of the beauty of a child, the wise men were touched to share. Our response to seeing Jesus is also to open our hearts and to celebrate with gifts. One such opportunity is to give people in our lives gifts through the ELCA Good Gifts catalog. You can honor people you love by purchasing ducks, goats, chicks, sheep, or other animals in their name. You can also select gifts related to water, women and children, health care, malaria, agriculture, evangelism outreach, international disaster response, or help at home. These gifts are like giving twice, once in announcing the gift to family, friends, teachers, child-care people, or others, and a second time when the gifts that are distributed to people across over 60 countries to others who are in need.

We are created in God’s image as Genesis tells us, meaning we have inherited God’s generosity. The gifts shared through the Good Gifts catalog, reach out with generous hands to not just be a momentary joy, but also to give a gift of new life and a fresh start to children and adults in places far away. It would seem to be a fitting way to look at Jesus as the transforming gift in our Christian lives, and then share what can be a transformative gift thousands of miles away. Think of those gifts of animals that can provide sustenance and possible family income to feed for a lifetime.

Information, stories, and links to purchase are online at www.ELCA.org/goodgifts The pictures of the animals and the people whose lives you can touch will bring you the joy of sharing just as the wise men were touched by the beauty of the Christ child. May this experience of Christmas touch your hearts with joy and generosity.