Every good and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:17
By now you may have a few presents wrapped and under your tree. Mine is overflowing all over the living room (thanks Granne). Christmas is such a great reminder that every gift is from above. Not just the presents under the tree, but the tree all decorated with lights, the house that the tree is in, the family that surrounds the tree in the house…the list goes on and on.
A gift by definition is a thing given willingly to someone without payment; a present. A gift is something that is given, but must also be received. How many people leave their Christmas presents wrapped up all year long and just enjoy looking at their pretty paper and bows? It’s not a gift if it’s not given and received. It’s just a pretty box sitting on the mantle with the Nativity scene and the other Christmas decorations.
Christmas is a time we celebrate God’s gift to us in Jesus, His one and only son. As sinful people, we do not deserve this gift God has given us. What the Bible says in Romans is that the wages of our sin is death. What we deserve is death. But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We deserve punishment, He gifts us mercy.
God’s greatest gift came wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.
In Jesus, God gifts us unconditional love. The kind of love that does not treat us as our sins deserve but as a prodigal child who has returned home; as a lost sheep who has been found.
In Jesus, we are gifted grace. Grace greater than all our sins. Grace that is sufficient for every circumstance in our lives. Grace that gifts us the riches of God that we don’t deserve – eternal life.
In Jesus, we are gifted the peace that our anxious hearts are longing for. The gift of the Prince of Peace is His presence – a gift more amazing than any present wrapped in paper and tied up with pretty ribbons.
Jesus gifts us hope beyond all hope. He said, “In this world you will have trouble, but fear not, I have overcome the world.”
The greatest gift we could ever receive is Jesus.
Even though we can’t touch Him or the gifts He gives us, like comfort, joy, peace and love, we can feel His gifts to us and sense His presence.
What we can touch is His Word. He has given us the Bible to hold and read. It is His living Word to us. He still speaks through it every day.
So I present to you sweet friends, two presents. Two gifts from God with your name on them:
1 – Jesus, born in a stable, died on a cross for you and me. He rose again and conquered death so that we can live with hope that we too will rise again one day. Your name is on His hands.
2 – The Bible – God’s word to us today, filled with His power, love and His encouragement to us.
But what is a gift anyway if it’s never opened. What will you do with your gifts from God?
Praying your hearts and homes be filled with the peace of His Presence this Christmas time and always.