Josh and his half-brother, Sammy, were introduced to our youth group at Church because their father didn't know what else to do with them. Josh was nine, and in trouble at school and at home. There was no mom in the picture for either of the boys.

Ruth was frustrated with her husband. He had never given her a Christmas gift that she didn't have to exchange. Every year she would tell him what she wanted, and every year he would give her something else. “Listen to me!” she snapped. “This year I want you to give me cold, hard, cash!” On Christmas morning, Ruth was completely surprised to discover that her husband had finally given her what she had asked for. He presented her with a glass fruit jar filled with nickels and water that he had prepared in their freezer.

Christmas is a time of gift giving. What are the real gifts God gives through the Christmas story?