Bible Reading: Luke 2:1-7
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
WHAT’S THE BEST Christmas gift you’ve ever gotten?
Was it a doll or an action figure? a construction set or a doctor kit? an electronic game or a set of in-line skates? Was it something that cost a lot? Was it homemade? Was it the gift itself or the thoughtfulness behind it that made it special?
What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve ever given?
Was it something you made yourself, or did you save up for a long time to buy it? Was it the “perfect gift” for that person? Was it special because of the thought you put into it? Was it special because of the other person’s joy at receiving it? Or was it special for some other reason?
Well, believe it or not, the best Christmas gift you’ve ever been given wasn’t a toy or a game or an article of clothing. On the first Christmas morning centuries ago, God gave you a gift that cost more than all the money in the world. He could have gotten off cheaper by wrapping up the stars and the planets and dropping them on your doorstep. He could have economized by sweeping all the gold and silver and diamonds in the world into a big pile in your front yard. But he didn’t. He gave you the most generous gift that’s ever been given: Jesus, his Son.
God showed you two things by sending his Son as his Christmas gift to you:
(1) He showed you that he loves you more than you can imagine (1 John 4:9); and
(2) he showed that he is a generous, extravagant God. He will spare no cost to save you. He will endure any pain to give you the gift of eternal life.
And what’s the best gift you could give to a God like that? It’s yourself. Your love. Your thanks. Your worship. Your devotion. Your life. That would be the best Christmas gift you’ve ever given.
REFLECT: Have you received the gift of Jesus? Does Jesus live in your heart? If not, why not accept God’s loving Christmas present and ask Jesus to forgive your sins and be your Savior? You can do that by praying the simple prayer below. If you have received the gift of Jesus, take a few moments to whisper your own prayer of thanks to God for his perfect gift.
PRAY: “Father, thank you for sending your Son to be born and to live and to die for my sake. Thank you for his sacrifice on the cross for my sins. Thank you for forgiving all my sins because of his death. I give myself to you and receive your Son as my Savior and Lord. Please take control of my life from now on and make me the kind of person you want me to be, through your Holy Spirit, who now lives in me.”
