Christmastime is such a wonderful time of the year. We so enjoy family, the festive spirit and the giving and receiving of gifts. This gift giving is a very integral part of the holidays. Black Friday and Cyber Monday beckon all of us to spend next year’s money on this year’s gifts!
As Christians we think about the ultimate Gift that God gave to the world: the Gift of His Son Jesus. Let’s think about and examine this life-changing Gift. II Corinthians 9:15 states, “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” In John 4:10, Jesus tells the woman at the well that He is “the gift of God.” John 3:16, probably the most well-known Bible verse states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Romans 6:23 states, “… the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” In Romans chapter 5 it is called the “free gift” three times.
A gift costs the recipient nothing. The price of the gift is paid by the purchaser. A missionary in the South Pacific Islands was explaining to a group of children the custom and significance of giving gifts at Christmas. “Giving gifts,” he said, “expresses love and reminds us of the perfect gift of love we received from God: Jesus.” Later that week, a young native boy came to the missionary’s side and said, “I love you and want you to have this.” He pulled from a straw basket the most beautiful shell the missionary had ever seen. As he admired its beauty, he recognized it as a special shell found only on the far side of the island, a half day’s walk from the village. When confronted by this, the boy smiled and said, “Long walk part of gift!” The gift of eternal life is free to us, because the cost of the gift, eternal life, was paid by God Himself on the cross.
The purpose of this wonderful gift is to bless the receiver. John 1:12 states, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” If you receive His salvation, He will give you a new heart. If you receive His wisdom, He will give you a new mind. If you receive His power, He will give you new strength. If you receive His love and mercy, He will give you a new attitude. If you receive His will, He will give you a new purpose.
Christmas. The greatest Gift from the greatest Giver. Our prayer is that you would receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour. Millions have already received this Gift and been made eternally grateful for the blessing it has brought: eternal life, the forgiveness of sins, peace with God and much more. It truly will be the best gift you have ever received. Merry Christmas!