The Greatest Gift

Nothing is more rewarding than receiving a good gift as a child. I remember the excitement of receiving gifts for my birthday and Christmas during childhood. I felt that there could be no better days in life than days that culture and community had set aside for receiving gifts. I reflect now upon those childhood gifts that I received with great anticipation and happiness; whatever happened to them? The candy and fruit have long been eaten, the toys and action figures have long been broken or missing and the clothes have been worn out and outgrown.

The greatest gift is not a thing nor food nor wear. The greatest gift is a gift that continues to give, even for eternity. The greatest gift is a person, and that person is Jesus Christ. The Old Testament prophet foretelling of this great gift stated, “For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV).

Jesus Christ is this wonderful gift. He is fully God but gifted as a baby wrapped in humanity through birth, also making Him fully man. I am so glad that through His rule of righteousness, we might have peace. For He is the Prince of Peace. 

Not only is Jesus the greatest gift, but furthermore the greatest giver is God. As recorded in the gospels, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (NKJV). Paul, speaking of the gift and the giver, wrote, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (NKJV). Humanity through sin had fallen into a state of being lost without hope of ever being saved, bringing the consequence of death. Due to the great love of God, He gave the gift of salvation, life, peace and hope in the person of Jesus Christ.

The greatest gift is Jesus Christ, the greatest giver is God, and this gift was given from the beginning and realized when Jesus Christ gave His life as a ransom for many.

The automatic response to the gift of Jesus Christ is thanksgiving. Paul exclaims, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15 (NKJV). I am so thankful and grateful to Jesus. He changed my heart and my direction. He saved my life, even providing eternal life. I cannot keep it to myself. I must share it with others. I must share it with the whole world. I am too appreciative of Jesus Christ for giving himself for me to keep this good news to myself. I feel like the author of the hymn “When I Think of the Goodness of Jesus” who wrote, “When I think of the goodness of Jesus, And what He's done for me, My soul cries out Hallelujah, I thank God for saving me.” 

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By Stephen E. Brooks

Executive Secretary