For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life

in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:23 NIV

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.

2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV

Our youngest grandson got so excited when he saw the Christmas lights on our house. He could not wait for us to turn them on. Then he came inside and saw our decorated tree with wrapped presents already underneath it.

I assumed he would want to see which presents had his name on them, but that did not concern him. He told me his tree at home did not have any presents yet, but he and mommy planned to go buy some for his daddy and older brother. He gave no thought to his own presents. My heart swelled with delight and my eyes teared up.

Gifting has become a big part of our Christmas celebrations. I remember as a child highly anticipating opening gifts on Christmas Day. We could barely sit still through the reading of the Christmas story from the Bible.

As I have gotten older though I have realized the joy of gift giving instead of just receiving. Picking out just the right thing for just the right person, wrapping it, and either handing it to them when I see them or placing it strategically under the tree for opening later.

God in his mercy chose a perfect gift for all of us – the gift of redemption. His redemption pays off the debt our sin brings about. As believers in him we celebrate that most important gift at Christmas time. He chose it for each of us. He wants us to reach out and take it. He wants us to believe in him for salvation from our sins so we can have a relationship with him.

What a delightful gift to receive from our blessed Heavenly Father! Unwrapping it, marveling at it, exploring it further brings the perfect Christmas delight.

Father, thank you for the gift of your Son. We celebrate you especially during this Christmas season.

Susan Partida