The Greatest Gift
What is your favorite thing about Christmas? My answer takes me back to my childhood. Growing up, I loved a good adventure. From exploring new sights to creating murder mystery plays or navigating from escape rooms, I loved the thrill of life’s greatest quests. Scavenger hunts and geocaching were at the top of the list.
The night before Christmas, my Dad and Uncle would stay up late, creating and hiding clues around the house. The next day, I’d follow a trail like Hansel and Gretel in search of my greatest prize. The greatest gift to me wasn’t the present the clues led to–it was the experience along the way. I think the same should be said about our walk with Christ.
As Christians, Jesus Christ is the greatest gift we could ever receive. It’s an adventure that never ends and a journey that sweetens with time.
God sent Jesus as a baby to later redeem us from the Law because we could never keep its rules and regulations. The purpose of this Law was to point to a need fulfilled in someone beyond ourselves (Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:15-25; Romans 8:2).
God loved us so much that while we were still sinners, He sent His Son (Jesus) to die for us (Romans 5:8; John 3:16). Because of His birth, life, death, and resurrection, we can now experience the presence of this greatest gift within us through the gift and power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9). The presence of the trinity–God the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit–is the greatest gift we can give and receive.
The second best part of this gift is that it’s free. Anyone who believes in the name of Jesus and is willing to let Him transform their life can be saved (Romans 1:16; Titus 2:11-12; Romans 10:13). Although I’ve been saved since childhood, one thing that’s changed my life regarding this salvation is knowing it’s not something I can work hard enough to earn. Most women reading this could probably relate.
Women are taught to be diligent, persevering, dedicated, committed, and hard-working. We try to embody the Proverbs 31 Woman but find ourselves tired, weary, and a little less than perfect most days. Especially around the holidays (am I right?).
If you’re like me, high-functioning anxiety reminds you of your never-ending to-do list. Sometimes, being a human is exhausting. Here’s the good news: We’re saved by believing in Jesus Christ through faith. We don’t need to work harder, do more, hustle better, and multitask more efficiently. We need to rest in Him–the greatest gift of eternal life that we can never earn.
When we try to work ourselves to death through life, we will never experience the abundant life Jesus created us for. Friend, Jesus wants to give you the greatest gift through Him. Will you accept and share it today?
Question for Reflection:
Christmas is the perfect opportunity to share this gift of salvation. Consider praying for someone, reaching out with an encouraging word, or inviting them to your Church service. It’s also the model time to tune into your relationship with Christ and ask Him to help you receive this gift more fully. This Christmas, take time to meditate in prayer and thanksgiving. Ask God to help you experience this abundant life by resting in what you’re capable of each day. You’re not superwoman. You won’t be able to do it all. But you’re doing what’s good for today. Rest knowing through Christ, that’s enough today and forever more.
