The Greatest Gift
As Christmas approaches and I think about shopping for family and friends, what gifts shall I buy for all of them? What do they want?
Then I think, more importantly, what do they need? What they need is the greatest gift ever given. It is the gift that the heavenly host proclaimed to the shepherds: “For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11. This King who left His throne in heaven to be a little baby, to come and live, and then die, all for our sake.
This is the gift we all need, the gift given in love. It’s not a gift we earned or were entitled to, which is what makes it the best gift of all. Unlike the gifts that Santa brings, it is not predicated on being on the “nice” list. We do not forfeit this gift because we are on the “naughty” list. In fact, in reality we are all on the “naughty” list but God loves us nonetheless. As Paul wrote, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.
We need not give anything in return; we can just accept the gift. But somehow, just accepting this loving gift of our Creator, the gift of Himself, creates in the heart a desire to give something in return. Of course, there is nothing God needs from us. So what can we possibly give? The best gift we can give to God is ourselves and our devotion to telling others of His greatest gift.
Over the past week or so I have been listening to a lot of Christmas carols. I just love O Holy Night and What Child Is This? and O Come O Come Immanuel and Silent Night and so many others that sing the praises of this wonderful gift of Jesus, the Word made flesh. They make me smile and cry tears of joy all at the same time.
This greatest gift of all has been offered to everyone, and that includes you! Have you received it yet? It truly is the most precious gift you will ever receive.
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Indeed the gift of Him is the greatest gift!
I have heard about it, know about it but not until I appreciate it does it makes the biggest difference. Thanks Linda for the gift of Him all year through!
🙂
You are so right Linda. The gift. All about that gift. That love. Amen
Merry Christmas
Hi, Linda,
I haven’t visited your blog for awhile, so I’ve been enjoying browsing through recent posts–so many inspiring thoughts. With so much distracting us during this season, we need as many reminders as we can about the only gift that matters!
Thanks,
Galen
Galen, Thanks for stopping by again! There do seem to be far too many distractions from the true meaning of Christmas. Peace and Merry Christmas, Linda
Gracias Linda.
I heard something today that inspired me to write about giving gifts. Now I can read instead of write 🙂
The Gift is all that matters yet so many toss Him aside in search of material things. We often give to those who can give back to us… thanks for pointing out that God’s precious gift is ours for the asking…
What Deb said!
Blessings,
ann
Ann, I’ve actually done a little bit of random giving to those who could not give back this Christmas season, and it felt great, especially since I was able to include a reminder that Jesus loves them and that is the greatest gift in both instances. As for you getting out of writing about giving gifts, I don’t think you’re off the hook that easy. The subject of gifts can never be written about too much! Peace, Linda
I love the joy you are spreading about Jesus and knowing Him! Any gift I can get for anyone pales next to that . . .as it should! Kind of lets us off the hook, doesn’t it? God already gave everyone the perfect Christmas gift. We can join together celebrating that Gift of Love and not try to out do Him.
love and God blessings!
deb
Deb, That is so true, we don’t have to try to out do God in terms of gift giving because every good and perfect gift comes from our Heavenly Father! See James 1:17. Peace, Linda