Our teaching team was talking about how hectic the Christmas season can be for all of us. We were telling stories about the busyness and how that busyness can steal the joy and peace of Christmas. In the midst of that discussion, one of our teachers said, “You know, for some of us and our folks, the church services themselves might be the one place to experience joy and peace this Christmas season.” We reflected upon that statement and formulated the plan for this series. We want the series to be joy-filled and peaceful time for focusing upon some of the gifts that God has given to us at the birth of Christ and in our lives today. We will remember this amazing story of Christ’s birth…”I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you; You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-12 The four gifts our teachers will focus upon during the series are: the gift of himself, the gift of perfect timing, the gift of a new thing, and the gift of mysterious surprises.