Just A Thought

 It was the most memorable and expensive gift I have ever received in my life. The only gift that could possibly top it would be God’s gift of eternal life. Ironically it was also one of the few gifts I have ever requested. It was such a big ask that it took months for me to work up the nerve to ask. Although my request took place over forty-two years ago, I remember it well. I had scrounged up enough money to fly across the continent, buy an inexpensive ring, and take my girlfriend to a decent, but not expensive, Tex-Mex restaurant. Then I popped the question.

When she said, “Yes,” my wife-to-be was agreeing to enter into a covenant that would cost her more than she probably realized. As much as I understood the magnitude of my “ask”, there was no way I could really grasp how much such an ask would cost her. But she agreed and she has since proven that her word was worth its weight in gold.

I can’t think of any gift more valuable than the decades of love and friendship my wife as given. I can’t think of a more meaningful gift, because she knew I was asking for a lifetime commitment. She granted my wish, and she has made good on her vows. I am forever grateful.

In the same way, God’s greatest gift to you and I began to be unveiled on the first Christmas. Our Creator proposed to mankind by “robing himself in flesh” and living in a human body. He did this so he could make Himself understandable to humans, and so He could show His ultimate love for us by laying down His life and dying on the cross to pay for our sins. Scripture uses the word “redeemed.” He bought us back. He gave the greatest gift possible by offering “anyone who will” a relationship with Him. It is an eternal gift, but is also an immediate gift. Believers can be a part of His Kingdom and even talk with Him at any time, both now and forever. 

On the night Jesus was born an angel said to the shepherds, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11) That is why Christmas is such a big deal! God gave a gift to all people. My prayer is that “all people” will recognize the value of that gift and respond in faith. It is an unearned, eternal gift. It only requires that someone accepts His gift by acknowledging His Lordship and choosing to obey His plan for salvation and for living. It is the greatest gift of all time.

# posted by John W. Hanson @ Thursday, December 14, 2023