I don’t mean the perfume or socks or iPod.

It’s probably more hidden or subtle a gift than these, but it’ll be there.

It may be something you feel inside as  result of a terrible news story, or a moment of inspiration from something seen or read which the time of year has framed more sharply, or some faith-revelation.   These are the real gifts because, unlike all the other presents which promise to change our lives,  these really will.

And when our lives change so do the lives of others.

It doesn’t have to be perfect at this moment, it just has to be felt deeply.

So, what did you get for Christmas – hidden there in the darkness behind the Christmas tree?

(I’m writing this early on Christmas morning.  No one is up and no presents have been opened, but I’m excited by what I’ve already unwrapped.)