by Randy Harp
Gift giving is one of the most popular traditions of Christmas. Retail sales are expected to exceed $650 billion this November and December — approximately $950 per person. That is a lot of gifts! But what makes a gift a good gift? The person who gave it to you? The beautiful wrapping? Because it’s personal? Or maybe because it’s so practical?
As we approach this Christmas season let’s remember the greatest gift ever given was Jesus Christ. As John 3:16 so clearly states, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Why Jesus is the Greatest Gift Ever
Jesus is the greatest gift ever given for many reasons. First, because of who gave the gift. Sometimes a gift is just “more” special because of who it comes from. This is nowhere more evident than with Jesus. God is the One who loved the world so much that He gave this gift. According to Galatians 4:4, when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his son.
Second, because of why the gift was given. My favorite gifts are usually the ones given to me by my children when they are completely unexpected — simply because they love me. Jesus was given because of God’s love. “For God so loved the world.” This love has no conditions, no limits, and never ends. God doesn’t love you because of what you have done or not done. He loves you because He is love. First John 4:9 reminds us God showed His love to us by sending His son into the world.
Third, Jesus is the greatest gift ever because of how the gift was wrapped. Wrapping presents makes what’s inside a surprise. The greatest gift ever was wrapped in a way that surprised many. An angel told the shepherds on that first Christmas night that they would find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Even those expecting the Messiah weren’t looking for a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes. Even more amazing is that God was wrapped in human flesh, clothed in humanity. Philippians 2:7 speaks of Jesus taking on the form of a bondservant and coming in the likeness of men. Someone once said, “The Word did not become a philosophy, a theory, or a concept to be discussed, debated, and pondered. Instead, the Word became flesh, the Word became a person to be followed, enjoyed, and loved.”
Fourth, because of how much the gift cost. Recently I was at a store and saw a gentleman purchasing ten iPads. Yes, that was a minimum $5,000 purchase. I was curious, so I struck up a conversation with him. He was purchasing an iPad for each of his grandchildren. I, somewhat jokingly volunteered to be an adopted grandchild. Jesus was far more expensive and valuable. He was the “only begotten” — the only one! The cost was sacrificial — Jesus was sent, according to Romans 5:8, with the purpose of dying for you and me.
Finally, Jesus is the greatest gift ever because of how practical the gift is. If I get a toaster for Christmas I expect it to make toast. If I get a Blu-ray player, I expect it to play Blu-rays. If I get a Christmas sweater, I re-gift it. The gift of Jesus Christ has the power and ability to literally change a life. Second Corinthians 5:17 says when we receive this gift of God we become a new creation. John 10:10 states our enemy, the thief, comes to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. But Jesus has come to give life, a rich and satisfying abundant life.
What To Do With the Gift
The reality is that a gift is useless if it is never opened. What good is it if we just look at it from a distance? We have to embrace it. We must willingly receive it. Romans 6:23 boldly declares, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” How does one receive this gift? Romans 10:9 states, “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” If you have never received this gift, I urge you to consider it today. Contact the church or the person who gave you this magazine and share with them your need.
For those who have received this great gift, what are you to do? Re-gift it. This is actually part of God’s plan. Before Jesus ascended to heaven he left us this responsibility, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” These next few weeks before Christmas provide the greatest opportunity for you to share this gift with your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.
Imagine what our world would look like if everyone truly understood the true meaning of Christmas and the greatest gift ever given.