“For God loved the world in this way: He
gave His one and only Son.” John 3:16
Though we may say in gift giving it’s-the-
thought-that-counts, that is not what we
practice. We spend a great deal of time
trying to find that perfect item for those we
love. And the value or cost plays a major
role in our decision making. Sometimes we
buy a token gift, other times a gag gift, but
for a loved one we prefer something more
meaningful and practical. It feels good to
offer an item we know they will value and
appreciate.
Those we love the most, we struggle the
most finding the right gift. It is our desire to
show how much we care. Unfortunately, we
put way too much pressure on ourselves. All
this anxiousness takes our thoughts away
from the true meaning of Christmas. Our
focus should be on the gift we have been
given by the greatest giver of all. Let us
consider how much love God demonstrated
through His gift.
We know first of all the giving of His Son,
His ONLY Son, was anything but a token
gift. This gift required great sacrifice. It
reveals a love beyond our comprehension.
We cannot fathom the depth of God’s love.
How can we in our humanness expect to
know or understand the greatness of an
infinite God? To even attempt it brings awe
and wonder to the forefront. It raises the
truth of Christmas to the heights it deserves.
With all the thought, energy, and time we
put into buying the right presents each year,
you would think we’d remember them well.
The ones we gave and the ones we received.
But the truth is, except for some truly
special gifts we don’t remember them much.
In reality, that’s fine. We don’t celebrate
Christmas to remember gifts we gave or
received but to be reminded of God’s
precious gift, His Son. Christmas is
celebrated every year to keep our focus
where it belongs – on our heavenly Father.
We are so easily distracted by life. By the
daily challenges of work, relationships,
health, finances, and crises. We need this
time of the year to restore our hearts and
minds to what is most important. Jesus came
to remind us we are not alone. He is
Immanuel: God with us. Jesus is the gift of
eternity. A forever gift of love and
acceptance.
Christmas is meant to restore our hearts and
minds to focus on God. To remind us of His
great love for us. To help us see how much
He values you and me. Could He love us
any more than He has demonstrated by
giving us His Son, His One and Only Son?
Father, forgive us for allowing distractions
to draw our attention away from You. Thank
you for Christmas, it renews our focus.
So grateful for the gift, …Bro. Sherman
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