The Greatest Gift

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

My feet hit the floor even before my 6AM alarm. It was Christmas morning, and just like every little sister does, I rushed over to my older sister’s bedroom, shouting, “Wake up!” In our matching plaid pajamas, we barged into our parents’ bedroom, flickered the lights a dozen times, and begged them to get up so we could go downstairs to open presents together.

A stack of shiny red and green-wrapped gifts caught our eyes. “Which one should we open first?” I squealed with excitement.

Alternating turns, my sister and I tore through our presents in a matter of 30 minutes, pausing to share hugs and heartfelt “thank yous” with Mom and Dad. Amidst the pile of shredded paper and sparkly string, my sister began to play with her new toys while I was fascinated by my new princess dress.

“Wait…I think there’s one more gift for you,” Mom said to me. “But, you’ll have to find it…”

I couldn’t believe it!

I flew to the basement. My sister checked the front porch. No signs. We searched high and low for several minutes until Dad finally hinted to check the garage. There it was: a brand new bright green bicycle—exactly like I wanted. “Thank you, Mom and Dad!” I shouted as I hopped on to give it a try.

Do you have a favorite present that you have ever received? Maybe the gift was given to you one Christmas morning, on your birthday, anniversary, or some other special occasion. Maybe the present you’re thinking of isn’t physical, but rather intangible, like joy, precious memories, and laughter.

I also wonder if you prefer to give or receive presents. Sometimes, giving can be even more fun as you anticipate the excited reactions of loved ones who will open what you have long-prepared.

I bet God feels this way, too.

In fact, God had been planning to send us the greatest Gift for thousands of years. God had lovingly arranged to send the gift of His own Son, Jesus, to undeserving humanity to pay for our sins since the Fall in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). By giving His life, Jesus would make a way for us to be forgiven and to have a right relationship with God (Genesis 3:15). Sin would no longer be the barrier between us and God—Jesus’ sacrifice would remove our guilt and shame. No one has ever given such a gift—no one can.

Jesus Christ is truly the greatest Gift ever given.

Isn’t it amazing to know that the costly gift of Jesus was given out of the overflow of God’s boundless love for us (John 3:16-17)? If we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that He was raised from the dead (Romans 10:9-10), we can be forgiven.

This is the kind of gift that money cannot afford, and no amount of good deeds or “thank yous” could ever earn (Ephesians 2:8-9).

How beautiful. How rare. How generous.

In sending Jesus—the long-awaited Savior of the world—centuries-old prophecies would be fulfilled. Not only would Jesus be called “Wonderful Counselor,” He would also be called “Mighty God,” “Everlasting Father,” and “Prince of Peace.”

To know this Gift—Jesus—is to know hope, joy, peace, and meaning—everything the world searches for, especially this holiday season.

Friend, you can know the greatest Gift. You can know Jesus. And when you do, you can know lasting peace, love, joy, hope, and purpose in a way no other present can afford.

More than ever, our weary world needs to know that the long-awaited Savior has been born. For us.

Pause & Reflect:

  1. Take a minute to reflect on the costly gift Christ gave to you in His death and resurrection. Thank Him for the gift of His forgiveness.
  2. Think of one person you know whom you can share this message of hope with this season. Ask God for boldness to tell the news of Jesus to him/her before the end of the month.
  3. Read Isaiah 9:1-7 to discover more about God’s promise in sending His Son, Jesus—the greatest Gift.

Friend, will you join me in prayer today?

Dear God,
We are in awe that You would love us so much to send Your only Son, Jesus, to offer us forgiveness through His sacrifice. What an expression of your power, compassion, mercy, and boundless love. Keep us from becoming distracted this season and forgetting the true meaning of Christmas. Make us bold, joy-filled messengers of hope, especially this season as many search for meaning. May we live with ever-grateful hearts in humble response to what You have done for us. We love you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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