The Perfect Gift

“Mom, what do you want for Christmas?” This is a question I get this time of year and it stumps me every time because I don't know what I want. I really don't need anything and my wants are too expensive for those asking the question! This time of year there are many people scurrying around looking for the perfect gift for their loved ones. This makes me think of the Most Perfect Gift, Jesus!

John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Jesus is the perfect gift because he left the glories of heaven to come to a sinful world. He came as a baby, pure and holy,  God and man, so that He could save us from our sins. He came to be a Redeemer, a Savior, a Friend.

Matthew 1:18, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.”

Matthew 1:23,24, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.”

John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” We find the reference to the Godhead (the Trinity) being the Word in John 1:1-5, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Father God created us from the beginning of time so that He could have fellowship with us. He sent His Son, Jesus, to bridge the gap that was caused by sin so that we can be in right relationship with Him. I John 1:7, “If we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son cleanses us from all sin.” Enjoying His Presence is more important than presents anytime of year but especially during the Christmas season as we celebrate His birthday.

When someone gives us a gift, we need to reach out and take the gift – we need to accept it! Otherwise, the giver can't give us the gift. The same is true of this Perfect Gift – we need to reach out and accept it. We do this by asking God for forgiveness of our sins and asking Jesus to live in our heart. This is when we experience what this verse is talking about: II Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

So for this Christmas season, if you don't know Jesus as your Savior, He is the Perfect Gift you can receive. And if you already know Jesus as your Savior, He is the Perfect Gift you can give!