‘Tis the season that we spend lots of time picking and choosing the perfect gift. The criteria that we use in choosing these gifts changes with each uniqueness of each person that we buy or make it for. Yet, the common bond to each of the gifts is that we want to bring joy. Be it through laughter, for fulfilling a need, supplying a want or just one that would bring a tear of emotion as it is opened.
No matter what the gift is that is given, unless it’s opened it remains unknown. A gift needs to be received, opened and explored to be appreciated. Another unique thing about receiving a gift is to understand the heart of the one who gave it.
Christmas is a gift. Even the Grinch came to that realization when he said, “It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'til his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?”
When we think of the gift God has given, he is more than just a gift. He is the Perfect Gift, he is the Greatest Gift, he is the Gift most needed. To appreciate the depth of the Gift you must appreciate the heart of the giver. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
“God”… The Greatest Lover,
“So Loved”… The Greatest Degree,
“The World”… The Greatest Number,
“That He Gave”… The Greatest Act,
“His Only Begotten Son”… The GREATEST GIFT,
“That Whosoever”… The Greatest Invitation,
“Believeth”… The Greatest Simplicity,
“In Him”… The Greatest Person,
“Should Not Perish”… The Greatest Deliverance,
“But” The Greatest Difference,
“Have”… The Greatest Certainty,
“Everlasting Life”… The Greatest Possession.
As it is with every gift, it must be received and unwrapped. Have you unwrapped the gift of Jesus? Will you do so this Christmas?
The Gift is the bridge that fills the gap of separation between mankind and God. God himself supplied that. It is a free gift that God gives. The unwrapping is admitting our need for forgiveness and asking Jesus, the Greatest Gift given to be our savior, receiving by faith the forgiveness that was provided on the cross, that he, the Greatest Gift went to for our greatest debt. His gift is wrapped and ready, waiting for any and all to open and receive all God has provided.
From all of us to all of you,
Merry Christmas, and a joyous and Happy New Year.
Pastor Pat Propster and Calvary Chapel Carson City.
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