Best. Gift. Ever.

This Christmas morning, many will awaken to find boxes of various sizes wrapped with shiny paper, ribbons, and bows under the tree. But any kid can tell you, just as you can’t judge a book by its cover, you can never really tell how great a gift will be by its trimmings. They say the best gifts come in the smallest packages. That just may be very true…

Many years ago, people were awaiting a great gift from God. He promised them a Messiah, a deliverer who would save them from their suffering. Over the course of a few centuries, speculation abounded and many were hopeful that the gift would arrive soon. Many may have anticipated that the Messiah would ride in on a great white horse, draped in gold linens. He would dismount his steed and throw back his perfect hair, declaring that he would lead the people to victory.

When God’s gift arrived in the world, the anticipation and excitement were great. A chorus of angels heralded His presence. A star burned above, greater than the spotlight of a Hollywood premiere, signaling the location of the Messiah. And three travelers from the East made their way to find Him. Yet when they finally arrived, there were no gold linens. No white steed. No great warrior with rippling muscles and glistening teeth. They found a child.

In the meekest of conditions, they found God’s gift to all people. Jesus Christ, the very Son of God. Some would have scoffed at the presentation of this gift. In fact, even later in His life many did. Some wondered how this Jesus, the son of a carpenter from a nondescript town called Nazareth, could possibly be the Messiah that had been prophesized.

1 Corinthians 1:25 says, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” God knew exactly what He was doing when He sent that precious gift. The gift of Jesus Christ, and the salvation offered through Him, is not for those who seek the shiny, fleeting pleasures that are the trifles of this world. It is for those who want greater substance in their lives, and those who desire the joy of His presence for eternity.

When I became saved, I received the best gift ever. I was 8 years old at a Christian sleep-away camp. And although I was raised Christian and knew of Jesus from the time I could walk and talk, that night at camp was the first time I could recall making a decision for myself that I wanted to accept the Gift that God had offered. And throughout the years, that Gift has never stopped giving.

Offer the gift of salvation to someone you know. It doesn’t come in a box, and it has no cash value. But it’s the best gift a person can ever receive. Share the joy.

Peace and blessings to you, and Merry Christmas!