Remember the Gift

Over the years, I have received many gifts for Christmas as I’m sure we all have. There are various things I remember about those gifts such as the time the gifts were wrapped with the same wrapping paper for each individual person so mom would know whose presents were whose. I remember as kids (even as adults), we would pull the ribbon off the package and put it on our heads, or someone else’s. I can even remember, especially my dad, taking forever to open a present just to drive us kids crazy with anticipation!

With so many Christmas memories, I have thought about the many gifts I have received. And sadly, I don’t remember many of them specifically. Yes, we all got a toy, a shirt, a coat, or our package of underwear. But how many of those gifts do you really remember?

However, there are a few gifts I remember well. One in particular was when I was 7 years old, I had asked my mom and dad for a Willie Talk ventriloquist puppet. The anticipation of waiting to see if that gift would be under the tree was almost unbearable for a 7-year-old boy. And eventually, Christmas morning arrived, and I FINALLY got to open the last gift, and there it was! I can still remember the excitement of the moment. I do not remember any other gift, but I do remember that one. And I still have my Willie Talk puppet today.

As we are approaching this Christmas, I’m reminded of the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:11, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”

As a parent, it is always fun to watch the excitement of your children on Christmas morning as they, with so much excitement and anticipation, open their gifts on Christmas morning. The joy and smiles it brings to the child, brings joy and smiles to the parents.

There is another gift I also remember very well, as vivid as if it were yesterday. As a 10-year-old boy, I began asking mom questions about the Bible, about God and Jesus. This continued as my dad got home from work and we sat down for dinner. I continued asking questions until finally, dad took me too his bedroom, got out his Bible, and right there I received the greatest gift I have ever received. I asked Jesus into my heart and into my life. I did not only receive a gift, but my life was also changed.

Not only did that gift give me the security of eternal life with Jesus, but it also gives me strength and hope even now. When I get down and discouraged, I remember the gift and I am encouraged. When struggles come and I don’t know what to do, I remember the gift and He gives me direction. When I am hurting or grieving, I remember the gift and I am comforted. When I have sinned and fallen short, I remember the gift and as I confess, I am forgiven and restored. When it seems, the burden is heavy and I am stressed, I remember the gift, and my load gets lighter.

If you have not received the greatest gift, found only in Jesus Christ, then receive Him today. It is a gift you will never forget. The Bible says, “Today is the day of salvation!” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

If you have the gift of Jesus, remember the gift. When life is stressful, discouragement finds its way, you are experiencing pain, difficulty, or grief, remember the gift and He will meet your every need.

Remember the gift, the greatest gift of all who is Jesus.

Merry Christmas.