The Greatest Gift Ever Given
“She will give birth to a Son, and you are to name him Jesus, because He will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 CSB
Merry Christmas dear friend!
One of my favorite moments is in the early hours of Christmas morning. The whole house is quiet. The only light in the house is the soft glow of the lights on the Christmas tree. Soon will be the hustle and bustle of everyone waking up and the excitement of Christmas morning. And as much as I love to watch my children’s excitement, this quiet moment is my absolute favorite.
As a mama and a daughter of the King, it’s a quiet moment to steady my soul and reflect on what this morning is all about. Matthew 1:21 says, “She will give birth to a Son, and you are to name him Jesus, because He will save his people from their sins.”
I’m so thankful that God loved us enough to send His Son, aren’t you? The truth of the matter is we are a broken people in need of saving. From the Garden of Eden in Genesis when Adam and Eve sinned against a Holy God and fellowship was broken, God knew that He would have to provide a way to restore our relationship with Him. From the heartbroken heart of a loving Father, God saw the cross down through the ages and knew that it was the only way to redeem humanity back to Himself.
Jesus Christ is the greatest gift ever given. He was the spotless lamb sent to take our place. All because God loves us so much. Friend, His love just amazes me and leaves me speechless. O what manner of love God the Father has for you and for me.
Jesus didn’t stay a baby in a manger though. No – He grew up as told in Luke 2:40, “The boy grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God’s grace was on Him.”
Soon He would make His way to an old rugged cross – He would be beaten until He was unrecognizable as a man and sentenced to die a criminal’s death. Spikes would be driven into His hands and His feet and a crown of thorns would pierce His head. Great drops of blood fell as he uttered the words in Luke 23:34, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” John tells us in John 19:30 that Jesus cried out in a loud voice saying, “It is finished”, and then bowed His head and gave up His spirit. The sin debt separating us from a Holy God had been paid by the blood of the spotless lamb – Jesus Christ.
But that is only part of the story. Jesus would be taken down from the cross and buried but He wouldn’t stay there. He rose again on the third day just as it says in Luke 24:5-6, “Why are you looking for the living among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen!”
Dear friend, the Christmas story isn’t complete without the Easter story. We can’t just leave Him in a manger or on the cross or in a tomb – because He isn’t in any of those places anymore. He’s alive sweet friend! Glory Hallelujah! King Jesus is alive.
Many people rejected Jesus during the time He walked upon this earth. They misunderstood who He was then and many still do today.
Don’t miss the wonder of this Christmas season. It’s all about the greatest gift that was ever given – Jesus – all for you and me.
Oh, what relentless and amazing love!
Dear Heavenly Father,
I am awestruck of your matchless and relentless love. I will never get over just how much you love a sinner like me but I’m so glad you do. Forgive me for taking my eyes off you and focusing too much on this broken world. Thank you for your example – you came into this world for our salvation, but you taught us so much while you were here. Help me to pay closer attention. Give me eyes to see the wonder of your love even deeper. Happy Birthday Jesus – thank you for coming for me and for loving me so. I love you. In Jesus name, Amen.
Dig Deeper:
For to us a child is born, to us, a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 ESV