God's Gift
Children will be filled with excitement soon as they open their long-anticipated Christmas gifts. Those carefully wrapped gifts have been held, shaken, and examined by eager children trying to get clues. But soon all surprises will be revealed! What a fun time of year!
Those of us who enjoy giving “good gifts” to our children are in this manner, like God. Jesus said, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” (Matthew 7:11). God gives gifts that not only are “good,” but also are “perfect.” James wrote, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17).
In fact, God gave a gift so great that it is “indescribable.” Paul wrote concerning God’s gift: “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift” (II Corinthians 9:15). The word “unspeakable” means that God’s amazing gift is indescribable. The gift is so precious and wonderful that its value cannot be adequately described.
But what could it be? What gift could be so prized and esteemed that the Lord’s apostle, Paul, affirmed he could not describe it? It is the gift of Jesus!
As Paul expressed gratitude for the unspeakable gift of Jesus, we should be ever-grateful for the gift of God’s dear Son. Without the gift of Jesus, there could be no forgiveness of sins, and no hope of heaven (Matthew 26:28; Ephesians 1:7; John 14:6).
Sometimes, a Christmas gift may be exchanged because the gift was too large or small, the wrong kind or color. However, God’s gift of Christ is a perfect fit for every responsible person, world-wide. Jesus is the perfect fit because “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23). The only remedy for sin is the blood of Jesus (Revelation 1:5). Therefore, God’s gift is perfectly suited to meet our greatest need—to be saved from sin.
Gifts received at Christmas may wear out, lose their use, and be thrown away. On the other hand, the gift of Jesus is an enduring gift, one that will never fade, lose its purpose or value. If we live to be a hundred years old, we will never reach a time we do not need the Lord. We need his blessings, fellowship, love, and forgiveness daily.
Many gifts will be given during the holiday season. However, no gift could ever exceed or equal God’s unspeakable gift. The gift of Christ is received by believing and obeying the gospel (Mark 16:15-16). Please be certain that you have received God’s gift, and never take it for granted!
