THE GREATEST GIFT
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8, ESV
Theme: Salvation is a gift, bought and paid for by God and available to all.
OH, THE GIFTS!
Maybe you’re mature enough to love the holiday season because of the joy, community, parties, and of course, the birth of Jesus. But think back a few years (or decades). Remember when no matter how others tried to center Christmas on Christ, all you dreamed of were presents? Gifts were obviously the main thing. Shaking them, holding them, and asking tons of questions about them...well, that takes up most of December. (The same is true for birthdays. If you listen, you can hear it in the youngest children’s descriptions of what they would like: “I want a unicorn cake… and lots of presents.” Older children already have learned to keep this deep longing to themselves.)
BUT WAIT!
In my family, I cannot imagine pre-opening and re-wrapping the gifts after I had spied them all out. We weren’t even allowed to shake them! On the other hand, I cannot imagine waiting one second more than necessary to open them! Instead, we were on the edge of our seats, waiting on Christmas Eve until Luke Chapter 2 was read, a very lengthy prayer was said, and we each received just one gift to open. On Christmas morning, we opened them one person and one gift at a time, so everyone could watch and then be thanked properly. ARRRRGGGGH!!!!
ON THE SHELF
The great gift of God is His salvation through the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He did it all. This gift is free, complete, wrapped up, and waiting for every human alive and those still to come. We can look at it, shake it, and examine it. But if we never open it, never take it out and use it, never accept it as a gift, it isn’t truly ours. Just knowing that it is there doesn’t make it mine, if I haven’t yet accepted the gift nor taken possession of it.
THE OPPOSITE
On the other hand, seeing that lovely gift and taking all the credit for it would be wrong also. Can you imagine saying, “Well, I earned it,” or, “I sure deserve this,” to your parents on Christmas morning? Would you tell a grandparent, “Thanks for getting me what I worked so hard for,” when they handed you a fancy birthday present? From childhood, we are taught to be grateful for the gifts and thank the giver. This is the exact attitude we should have as we contemplate the amazing grace and gift of God.
SHARE
On birthdays and Christmas morning, it is so hard to share those brand-new toys. But we are always instructed to “share” in those moments. Can you imagine that others don’t' even know about this gift of grace? Have never experienced the joy of Jesus, never heard of His great sacrifice? Would you not share with a guest from another country or religion the joy and meaning of Christmas? Will you seriously consider sharing the Good News of Jesus? Or consider inviting them to Movies at The Cove where they might meet Him?
Make It Personal: If you are a long-time believer, stop and give thanks to God for His indescribable gift. Now, share it. Tell someone. Pray that God would put someone on your heart to invite into a relationship with Jesus.
If you have been shaking this gift and wondering what’s inside, ask someone to explain it to you. We’d love to open this amazing gift with you and help you unwrap all that God has provided in your salvation.
Pray: Lord God, thank You for Your indescribable gift. Help me to fully explore and appreciate it. Then, help me share it with others. In Jesus’ precious Name, Amen.
Read: Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38-39; 2 Corinthians 9:15
Weekly Memory Verse: “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” Philippians 2:1-2, ESV