I guess most parents know how hard it is to let children go. After Sixth Form, my son Peter and some school friends worked odd jobs until they could save enough money to go travelling for six months. The young ones had a great time abroad as we heard of their adventures once they were safely home.

It makes me think about what it must have been like for God to make the decision to allow His only Son to come to earth. Unlike us, God knew exactly what would happen if Jesus began this journey. 

The many gifts which the wise men brought to Jesus in Matthew 2:11 held clues to His future. The gold predicted that He would be a king. Frankincense foretold His work as a High Priest, while myrrh – used to anoint bodies before burial – predicted Jesus’ death.

When God sent Jesus to earth, He knew exactly what He was asking of His Son. His Father’s heart must have been sore as He let him go. 

Would you and I be willing to let our children go if we knew what the future held? But “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

As we come to celebrate Christmas, it is good to share with others as we exchange gifts carefully chosen. But in the midst of it all, let’s not forget what it cost God to give us His gift; His only Son.