God’s Perfect Gift

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17

Christmas memories from my childhood are of cousins and sweet desserts, decorated trees and stockings, and the anticipation of opening gifts! What will I get this year? How many of those presents are for me?

The world waited for centuries and millenia for the Gift God promised to send. Abraham was promised. Jacob was promised. David was promised. Still the world waited. The Israelites were promised through prophets such as Jeremiah, Isaiah and Micah. Years continued to pass.

One day, unnoticed by the world, God sent his Gift. Not from Amazon or FedEx, but from heaven. Not in a palace or even a house, but in a stable. Not lying under a beautifully decorated tree, but lying in a manger. Not wrapped in colorful paper and bows, but in swaddling cloths.

This Gift was a generous gift. Not given for the Jews alone, but for the whole world. For you and me. This Gift would grow to be a man and willingly give his life to bring salvation to all people. This Gift has the power to forgive sin and bring new life, eternal life. This Gift cannot be bought or worked for but is freely bestowed. As with any gift, this Gift can be accepted or rejected by the recipient. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12).

Peter explained further in the book of Acts, “Repent (turn from sin) and be baptized...for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children… (Acts 2: 38-39).”

This Gift is waiting for you. Will you receive God’s perfect Gift, Jesus Christ, this Christmas season?

Thanks be to God for his indescribable Gift (2 Corinthians 9:15)!

Terri