One of the gifts of the Advent season is choosing a present for a loved one. “Really?” you may ask, dubious.
Admittedly, this can be a frustrating challenge at times. However, when we give out of a heart full of love, wanting to bring joy to the receiver, giving is a gift to ourselves, as well. As 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “You should each give, then, as you have decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly.”
While we may scour umpteen stores and search a bazillion sites on the Internet looking for the “perfect” gift, it’s already right at our fingertips. Within the thin pages of an old, old book lies the key to the perfect gift.
During Advent we read the accounts of the birth of God’s son, Jesus. Though we are enamored with the quaint setting and humble story surrounding Jesus’ advent into the world, the truth is there is so much more to this than just the birth of a baby.
When Jesus entered our world that day, He began a journey that would bring God’s greatest gift to each and all—forgiveness for our sins. “You shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
Talk about the perfect gift! We all sin---we think, say, and do things we know in our hearts are wrong. Humankind has been sinning since the time of Adam and Eve! Yet, despite our sinfulness, God loves us. He wants to have a relationship with us. So, God decided to give us the gift of forgiveness from our sins—and that Gift entered the world that first Christmas in the form of a babe.
Overshadowing the joyous birth is the cross on which Jesus died for us. “Jesus Christ himself carried our sins in His body to the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness.” (1 Peter 2:24)
God’s gift of salvation is the perfect gift, and each person’s name is on the tag. It’s a gift that isn’t diminished by sharing it with others. Quite the opposite! The joy of receiving that gift is doubled when we offer it to someone else!
This year, as we give gifts to loved ones and friends, let’s offer them the greatest gift of all—the good news that forgiveness from any and all our wrongdoing is available through faith in Jesus Christ. Pray for those you hold dear, speak truth from God’s Word, show them that in the delivery of that tiny baby whose birth we celebrate, lies the key to deliverance from sin.
Be encouraged!
©2022 Pamela D. Williams.
