December 22 - The Greatest Gift

"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)

Christmas is about gifts, but the greatest Gift ever given was Jesus Himself. God gave us His most precious Treasure - His only begotten Son - because He loved us. God could have simply said, "I love you," but instead He showed that He loved us by sending His Son.

Picture Jesus wrapped especially to show you that He loves you. At just the right time, God sent forth His Son. Picture Jesus wrapped with loving attention - the roads built by Romans, the universal language from the Greeks, the messianic anticipation from the Jewish people. All wrapped to show God's love.

Jesus came to give us eternal life - not just something for today, but a promise of future hope in heaven. The word salvation implies that one is saved from something. In the context of Jesus Christ and what He came to do, we can be "saved" from sin. We are not only saved from the penalty of sin but also the power of sin. He came to set us free from satan's power and dominion over our lives. We can now live for Jesus Christ. He has broken sin's power over our lives.

This gift costs God everything but costs you nothing to receive. Salvation cannot be earned or purchased; it can only be received by faith.

Reflection Question: Have you personally received God's gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ? Check out https://www.joshfranklin.org/gospel if you need help knowing how you can receive this free gift of salvation. Don't wait! Unwrap your present today!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the greatest Gift ever given - Your Son Jesus Christ. I receive Him now as my Savior and Lord. I want to live for You. Help me never take it for granted and always live in gratitude for Your amazing grace. In Jesus' Name, amen.