God-Gifts of Christmas

We enjoy receiving gifts any time during the year, but we especially enjoy them at Christmas. Most of the time the wrapped gifts we receive include physical things, but other gifts, not wrapped, may come as intangible things like love and care by family members, good health, Christmas music, beautiful decorations, and celebrations with special friends or family. Did you know that the Bible tells us that God has given gifts to people? The phrase, “Gift of God,” occurs several times in the Bible and here are some of these God-gifts.

1)    The Gift of Salvation. The Bible says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is God’s deliverance of people from the power and effects of sin through the work of Jesus Christ dying on the cross to pay the penalty of our sin. Salvation is the sinner's rescue from death to life with God.

2)    The Gift of God’s Grace. The Apostle Paul tells us, “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power” (Ephesians 3:7). Since all of us are sinners, we must rely on Jesus’ death on the cross on our behalf to receive forgiveness of sin and enjoy eternal salvation.

3)    The Gift of Eternal Life. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). This gift is available to anyone who believes in Christ and trusts that he died to pay the penalty of sin which we deserved to pay. Without Jesus Christ, it would be impossible for us to live with God forever.

4)    The Gift of Righteousness. Scripture explains, “For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!” (Romans 5:17). When anyone puts their faith and trust in Jesus alone, they step into righteousness, which is only available because Jesus died on the cross for each of us. We become righteous, not because of anything we have done, but on what Christ had done.

5)    The Gift of Life. The Bible says, “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers” (I Peter 3:7). Marriage is a blending of two lives, and when a man has found a virtuous woman to marry, she becomes a precious gift – the gift of life.

Obviously, these God-gifts originate with God himself. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father [God] of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). We can enjoy these God-given-gifts all year long, but they are particularly precious during the Christmas season. Have you personally received these gifts from God? They are yours for the receiving. Take time to thank God for what he has given you. Do not let Christmas slip by without showing your appreciation to God for the wonderful gifts he has provided for you.

Christmas Giving

At Christmas time you will probably experience love, joy, peace, music, excitement, anticipation, decorations, and greetings.  However, what is experienced, far more than anything else, is the act of giving.  We give gifts to those we love and appreciate, and of course, giving brings joy, excitement, and anticipation. Examining the Biblical Christmas Story reveals many elements of giving.

First, God gave.  The act of giving at Christmas began with the wonderful gift of God’s son, the Lord Jesus Christ.  This giving is explained in John’s gospel which says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  God gave his son.

Second, the Angel gave.  The angel that appeared to the shepherds on the Judean hillside gave the great news of the birth of Jesus Christ.  The gospel of Luke tells us, “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:9-11).  The angel gave good news.

Third, the Shepherds gave.  After hearing the good news, we are told that the shepherds “Hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them” (Luke 2:16-18).  Then the shepherds gave by spreading the word about the birth of the Savior.  The shepherds gave words of inspiration.

Fourth, the Magi gave.  Not only did the Magi come from the east, but they came with a purpose – to worship the Savior and to present him gifts.  Scripture says, “They saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2;11).  The Magi gave gifts and worship.

As we give gifts to family and friends this year, let’s take time to think about Jesus, who should be the focus of our giving.  He is the reason that we celebrate Christmas.  He is the gift that was given.  Through Him we have been offered eternal life.  “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).  And, this wonderful gift can be ours by believing in Christ and personally receiving him into our lives. “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

Memories of Christmas

As soon as the first snowflakes began to fall I start to think of Christmas.  I’m sure my thoughts of Christmas come because of the warm childhood memories I have of this wonderful season of the year.  However, this time of year also brings me some sad thoughts.  Both my father and father-in-law each passed away (although in different years) shortly before Christmas.  I rejoice because both of these godly men are in heaven today.  How do I know?  Because both of them made a personal decision to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior.  As a result they were assured by God’s Word that eternal life was theirs to enjoy. “Yet to all who receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

In spite of the absence of these dear men and the sadness that it brings, it is God who brings joy to my heart and to the hearts of each member of my family.  How is it possible to experience sadness and joy at the same time?  It is because of the gift of Christmas, which is Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

This Christmas I encourage you to take time to rejoice in the Christmas memories you have in spite of some of the sadness that may come your way.  Allow the joy of the gift of Christ to fill your heart.  Why not give a special gift to someone this year?  Here are some suggestions:

• The Gift of Listening.  You must REALLY listen.  No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response.  Just listen.
• The Gift of Appreciation.  Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds.  Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.
• The Gift of Laughter.  Clip cartoons and share them with others.  Share articles and funny stories.  Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.”
• The Gift of a Written Note.  It can be a simple “Thanks for the help” note or a full sonnet.  A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

• The Gift of a Compliment.  A simple and sincere, “You look great in red”, “You did a super job” or “That was a wonderful meal” can make someone’s day.
• The Gift of a Favor.  Every day go out of your way to do something kind for someone.
• The Gift of Solitude.  There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone.  Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.
• The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition.  An easy way to feel good is to make others feel good.