For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
The Greatest Gift…
A gift is a volunteer giving without payment or anything in return.
The Christmas season is a time of buying and giving - it is also a time of expectation and receiving.
As a kid, I don’t remember giving during Christmas; it was a time of expectation. I would look under the Christmas tree looking for gifts with my name on it. I wasn’t thinking about what gifts my mom and dad were going to receive or my siblings - I was thinking as a child and thought about myself.
I remember when I was around 12 years old, my dad bought me a new 10-speed bicycle. For the longest time, I wanted a bike, and dad being the dad he was, bought me one - he gifted it to me. He did not expect payment for it or expect anything in return. He did it because I was his son; he loved me and wanted the best for me.
As time went by and after much riding and enjoying this bike, my love for my bike was not the same. Sure I cared for it, but not like the day I received it - I have an image stuck in my mind that I have never forgotten. An image that makes me feel guilty and regretful and, on the other hand, a life lesson in understanding the value of a gift.
It was a rainy day, and I was looking out the window into our backyard. I remember standing and watching from the bedroom my bicycle dad bought, being drenched with pouring rain. I watched the gift mom and dad gifted to me being neglected. It’s not like we didn’t have a garage to store it, but I did not understand the value of the gift I received.
I didn’t understand the concept of dad’s hard work, the money mom and dad saved for me to get the bike. I had no clue what was in their heart and how they gifted it to me. I wasn’t thinking about their sacrifice, I was only thinking about me.
As I grew older, I learned to understand the meaning of Christmas and giving. It was not about expectation or receiving but about giving. It was about Jesus Christ, given by the Father as a gift to the world.
Sadly, just as I neglected the bicycle my father bought me, this is happening today, specifically during this Christmas season - Jesus is being neglected.
Unto us, a Child is born. God so loved the world that He gifted us His only Son so that not one person would be lost - but saved. He sacrificed all for our salvation. He died to forgive us of our sins, and not only that but that we would be justified. Meaning our sins are not only forgiven but as if they never happened.
He gifted us His Son without expecting payment or any strings attached. He loves us so much He died for us. He has come to disrupt your life to show you how much He loves you.
This Christmas season, let us remember the reason for the season. Let us remember the greatest gift to mankind is Jesus Christ - born in a manger, died on the cross, rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven.
The Bible Speaks - God's greatest Gift to this broken world is Jesus Christ. Whoever believes in Him will have everlasting life. John 3:16
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