It’s the Christmas tradition that causes the most
excitement for children (and anxiety for parents) – presents. So what makes a
gift a good one? Here are five features. As you look at them you will see that
God is offering the perfect gift.
1.
It’s Essential
If you open a present and can truthfully say, “That is
exactly what I need” then you have a good gift.
What about God’s gift? “The Father sent the Son to be the
Saviour of the world” (1 John 4:14).
This is something we all need. The Bible says, “all have
sinned” (Romans 3:23). Our sins will keep us out of heaven and under God’s
judgment forever. Nothing we do can get us out of the danger we are in. That’s
why this gift is perfect – God is offering you a Saviour.
2.
It’s Expensive
If someone sacrificed a lot to give you a gift then you
would value it. How much did God’s gift cost? For us to be saved from the
punishment we deserve someone else had to take it. God’s Son was the only one
who could, and “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son...”
(John 3:16). Nothing more could be given. You can’t earn this gift; you just
have to gratefully accept it.
3.
It’s Enjoyable
Some gifts are needful but not enjoyable. Many think
salvation is like that. They couldn’t be more wrong. Jesus told a woman that if
she only knew the gift He was offering she would ask Him for it (John 4:10). If
you only knew the joy that comes through having Christ as Saviour, you would
ask Him for this gift right now.
4.
It’s Enduring
Few gifts really last. God’s gift is different. The Bible
says, “the gift of God is eternal life” (Romans 6:23). This is a gift that
never needs replaced. You can have it now and enjoy it forever.
5.
It’s Embraced
No matter how good a gift is, it will do you no good unless
you take it. The Lord Jesus Christ is the perfect gift, but you have to receive
Him for yourself (John 1:12). You don’t have to wait until Christmas to receive
Him; in fact, you dare not wait. Take God’s gift now and you will never regret
it. “Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15).
