Jesus, the Best Gift

Christmas is coming. Little children are excited about all the new toys that Santa will bring. Adults get excited about giving specially chosen gifts to the family, friends and loved ones. It is a time of fun, joy, and excitement for sure. After all, it is a gigantic birthday party which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.

Jesus, Himself was the first Gift given and God the Father was the One who began the giving traditions that we all enjoy today. The Holy One became flesh and blood just like you and me. During the course of Jesus' life here on earth, He felt the same pain, joy, excitement, and sadness that we all feel. He can truly identify with our suffering and with our joy. Jesus, the baby of Bethlehem, Jesus the young man of Nazareth, Jesus, the Savior who was crucified, buried and rose again, was God's Gift to a world that was dying in sin. God made a way and that Way was perfect.

When you and I give gifts, the recipients are free to decide what to do with their gift. Sometimes a gift is received with gladness and joy and sometimes the gift is cast aside and not appreciated. Each of us has the option to do the same with the Gift that God has provided. He will not dictate to you what you should or must do with His Gift; the choice is entirely up to you. The Gift has been given and is still extended to mankind even today. The Gift is the same quality as it was on the first night in Bethlehem's stable. As kings and shepherds came and sought Him, bowing before Him in worship, so men today still seek Him and still bow in worship and adoration. He is a worthy Gift,and a most precious Gift.

I think it is so kind and loving of our Heavenly Father to maintain the extension of His Gift toward man even today. We live in a period of grace and we are free to accept or reject His Gift. We will not always be in this grace period, however, and one day the free offer of God's Gift will come to an end.

I know how it feels when I have purchased a nice gift and given it to someone and they were less than pleased with the gift. I tried with all my heart to provide a gift that would be appreciated and enjoyed, but somehow the gift I chose was different than they expected. I wonder if God's heart feels that kind of sorrow when men choose to reject His generous Gift.

I believe His heart is sorrowful when man rejects Jesus Christ and I believe His heart is delighted when another child chooses to come home. No more roaming in the world, sampling here and there, searching for something that cannot be found. He waits so patiently while we run around in circles, looking for something to fill up that emptiness on the inside of our soul. He longs for us to find Him and while we are searching, He is reaching. He is always reaching. Reaching out to you and to me with His whole Being, having offered up the Best that Heaven had to offer just so we could be free. How His heart rejoices over His children! How He longs for all His children to find Him and be fulfilled, and loved and brought into His family.

The Gift He provided began long ago was freely given to each one of us. The best Gift He could find, wrapped in swaddling clothes with a bright star set high above. No loud fanfares, no headlines, no glaring newscasts that night. Just a tiny baby boy lying in a manger, wrapped in humble clothing. Angels sang and Heaven rejoiced because God made a way for everyone to be free from the bondage of sin. He made a way. Perhaps because that Way is so simple and uncomplicated, it trips some of us up. Surely eternal life cannot be so easy. Yet, it is just that easy. God made it easy for us because it was so hard for Him. The Gift came with a huge price tag, but Jesus paid the price in full.

If you have not yet received this Precious Gift, won't you take just a moment and accept this Gift now. I can't think of a better way to begin a Holy, holiday season. The entire season will take on new meaning and more peace and joy than you can ever imagine.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace, The Light of the World, The Everlasting Arms, The Holy One of Israel, The Beginning and the End, The Way, The Truth, The Life. Jesus is the Free Gift of God.

Merry CHRISTmas!