This time of year there is a lot of talk about gifts. Everyone is looking for that perfect gift to give. Many people get stressed and worried about getting the right thing. Sometimes there is even hope that we will give you the best gift of the season! Americans spend an insurmountable amount of money lavishing gifts on each other during the holiday season. However, no matter what we give or how hard we try, we will never be able to give the best gift we have ever been given.
More than 2,000 years ago God gave the world the most perfect gift. The gift arrived under unusual circumstances and was not what people were looking for or expecting. However, this gift was the perfect gift. It turned out impeccable, a one-size-fits-all gift! It never goes out of style or changes with fashion. It was free. And most importantly: they gave it to everyone! Christ was a PRICELESS gift.
The gift of Christ’s birth was free to us. It was definitely a costly gift, as God had to send his Son into the world, knowing the path he would take. However, God was willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice to offer us this free gift.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
God gave; for us. For anyone who believes.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this does not come from you, but is a gift from God; not by works, so that no one can boast.» Ephesians 2:8-9
Christ was the PERFECT gift.
Christ is a “one size fits all” gift. A refund is never necessary. It is the right gift for any age and any interest. When people experience the gift of Christ, they know they will never receive another gift as good.
“Everything that is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights of heaven. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” James 1:17
“Thank God for this wonderful gift that cannot be described in words!” 2 Corinthians 9:15
Christ was a PERMANENT gift.
It seems like every year there are new trends and the hottest new gift. We’ve seen it over the years with things like Tickle-Me-Elmo, Cabbage Patch Kids, or the latest gaming system. The crazy thing is that one year it can be almost impossible to find and the next year people sell these items at a garage sale to make room for new gifts. Or your favorite pair of white Converse ends up in the trash after a year of wear. Christ is a permanent gift. He does not change with trends or fads. He shows no wear and needs to be replaced. He is a once in a lifetime gift that should never be replaced. There is no other gift like that.
“But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s merciful gift. Because the sin of this man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is the wonderful grace of God and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:15
This Christmas, as you gather around and open the gifts of the year, take the opportunity to thank God for the gift He gave you all those years ago. Thank Him for the gift of His Son that was freely given. That is priceless, it is perfect and permanent.
Written by Amy Carrico
Author of Blog How to make moments matter
