Every Christmas morning, most families gather around Christmas tree in their homes and rehearsed the Christmas story. This tradition includes reading of the story of the birth of the Baby-Jesus from the scriptures, sing a hymn and say prayer of thanksgiving to God for giving us His son as a Savior and Redeemer and exchange of gifts with one another. This gift is the incredible aspect of Christmas story. We all are gifts from God to our parents, communities and our world. We all love and appreciate gifts. This tradition quickly reminds me of my childhood days when my parents bought me gifts of new clothes, shoes and toys every Christmas. They usually impress on us that Christmas was a time to show love and give gifts. At Children Church services, we were told the story of Jesus’ virgin birth and how the Maggi (3 wise men) brought significant gifts to welcome Jesus as a Savior to the world. At the end of the Christmas services, we were given gifts items representing different aspect of Jesus’ birth and livelihood.
As we reflect on the story of Jesus birth, it became clear that neither the gifts we exchange with one another around Christmas tree nor the one given to us at the Church services could be compared with God’s greatest gift to the fallen world – the gift of His dear Son, Jesus Christ. God gave the world a gift of a Savior, a Redeemer and a Lamb as well as a King. Isaiah prophesied of the coming of the Messiah this way, “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and shall call His name Immanuel meaning ‘God with us’ (7:14 and Matt. 1:23). “His name will be called wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Isaiah 53 named the purpose of His birth as coming to save the people from widespread sin (Matt 1:21). Prophet Micah named Jesus’ place of birth in Bethlehem (5:2). Zachariah prophesied His royalty, “see, your King comes to you….(Zach.9:9; Matt 21:5). Nothing in heaven and earth could match the gift of God in His son.
Apostle Paul echoed this singled gift to the Corinthians, “Thank be to God for His indescribable gift (2 Cor. 9:15). No human words can fully comprehend God’s gift in His son, Jesus Christ even as we celebrate it every Christmas. Christ becomes the reason for the season; the greatest Christmas gift ever given to the world. This gift reveals the giver, God and the magnitude of the gift. God named His son “Jesus” which means “Savior” or Deliverer”. He came to save His people from sin and deliver us from the sting of death and the power of the grave.
The Giver, God: Christmas is synonymous with giving and receiving gifts. The birth of Christ in itself brings the season of giving and reveals God in a gift giving business. This unique birth reveals the personality and accentuates the power of God: i) “Immanuel” – God with us; ii) God as I AM meaning He’s God who has always been and always will be God – self existence. iii) I am Alpha and Omega (the beginning and the end). iv) God’s love to the world …. and the gift of eternal life (John 3:16). v) He’s the Father of Jesus Christ and has given us all Spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (Eph 1:3). vi) His divine power has given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2Pter 1:3).
His Son: God gave Mary her son Jesus and in Jesus God gave us a Savior. In Jesus, a believer has forgiveness of sins and gift of eternal life. In Christ, God gives a believer faith that works, hope that lives and love that lasts. God came into the human race through His son who lived here as the son of man; He took our place and died for us. God forgives all who believes in His son and brings them into His family; make them His children (John 1:12). Because we are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His son into our hearts, crying Abba Father (Gal 4:6)
Features of the gift: a). It’s full of surprises; b). It came to us in an uncommon, simplest and humblest of wrappings; c). Human beings don’t deserve the gift; d). The Gift reveals the Giver.
Meaning of the gift: i) Jesus came to seek and to save us (Luke 19:10). ii). Jesus came to die for our sins (Matt 1:21; 1 Cor. 15:3; Rev. 13:8). iii). Jesus came to bear witness to the truth (John 18:37; 8:32, 36). iv). Jesus came to destroy the power and the works of Satan (1 John 3:5, 8). V). He came to bring us into an everlasting relationship of love with God, the Father (1Peter3:18; Romans 5:8).
This season reminds us that Jesus is coming again. This time not as a baby in a manger but as King and a Judge. He’s the reason for the season. We invite you to new birth in Christ Jesus. An opportunity to accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord and begin a relationship with Him. The choice is yours. We wish you Merry Christmas and Fruitful New Year.
Evangelist/Elder Ogbonnaya, Godswill, P.O. Box 720035, Houston, Texas, 77272 Tel: 8328813929 (Cell). Email: weefreeministries@yahoo.com www.weefreeministries.org