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Good morning. I love giving gifts at Christmas, but I sometimes struggle to know what to buy. Should I get the blue or the red jumper? What size?  I sometimes stand in the shop for ages trying to make a decision about the best gift. 
It can be difficult to make choices. Even after I have purchased gifts and I am tying ribbon around the parcels, I sometimes think about the things I would like to have given friends and family.
I once knew a woman who was such a misery. Nothing was ever right… she was full of complaints. As Christmas approached she was always worse than usual and no gift that she had ever received had ever been ever quite right.
I wish I could have given Myra the gift of peace or new hope or reconciliation.  But these are the gifts that no amount of money will buy. Christian faith teaches, of course, that these gifts may be discovered in God’s presence.  So, even in a hospital, or standing by a grave – alone or in a crowd… in the midst of trouble and difficulty, in fact anywhere or anytime, we may experience the peace, joy, love and hope that only God may give.  I have always loved the prayer-like words of the carol Away in a Manger
Be near me Lord Jesus I ask you to stay close by me forever and love me I pray.  Perhaps we have all experienced times when we felt like we were ready to give in and give up. Yet, in those moments when we least expect it we may experience the peace of God’s presence. It may not come with a great feeling of elation, perhaps just the quiet assurance that we are not alone.  Prayer:  Thank you God for the gift of peace and joy in your presence. Help us to demonstrate your love as we stand alongside others today. Amen