The Most Amazing Gift

Each year at Christmastime, it’s traditional to give gifts to the people we love. Why do we celebrate Jesus’ birth with gifts? We do it because He is the greatest gift that has ever been given to mankind—and this tradition of gift-giving goes all the way back to the birth of Christ.

The Bible says that when wise men from the east heard of Jesus’ birth, they went on a journey in search of Him. And they came bearing gifts. Matthew 2:11 says: And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

We, too, have the same great privilege to seek and find Jesus, and to worship Him with our gifts. We can praise God in song, pray for and encourage others around us, serve the church, share our creative gifts and talents, give our time, our money, and help others who need help.

A majority of people become givers at Christmastime, but wouldn’t it be wonderful if God’s people made a daily effort to reach out in love? Someone said this, and I believe it to be true: “We make a living by getting, but we make a life by giving.”

I wasted many years living selfishly, so I am very thankful to God for teaching me the value of giving. I find that it enlarges my life in ways that are amazing—I am happier, healthier, more energetic, and have satisfaction of personal fulfillment. And rather than wasting my life on things that don’t matter, I am investing in eternity.

As Christmas approaches, let’s make plans to celebrate what the holiday is truly about. Let’s not get so busy with cooking, cleaning, shopping and other holiday preparations that we forget to spend time celebrating the greatest gift of all, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And let us give cheerfully and sacrificially so that others may come to know Christ and the many blessings He provides, including His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship (see Isaiah 30:18).

Pray with me: Father, thank You for the gift of Jesus and for the sacrifice You made in giving Him to me. Help me not to be afraid to live a life of sacrifice in order to help others as You have helped me.