Heaven’s Gift to the World

 God’s love made known in the Gift of His Son

 G – God’s Love 

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.   John 3:16

 I - Immeasurable Provision

Look unto me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.   Isaiah 45:22 

 F - Forgiveness Available

In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins:   Colossians 1:14 

T-Trust that secures Salvation

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…Acts 16:31 

A star once shone on Bethlehem’s night – The gift was the Lord Jesus, humble and small

Guiding the world to love’s pure light – Yet he came to redeem and rescue us all.

Not wrapped in silver, nor tied with a bow – No treasure on earth could ever compare,

But in a manger, God’s mercy did show – To the gift of Salvation, He came to share

In a quiet town nestled between snowy hills, there lived a boy named James.  He was thoughtful and kind, but this Christmas he felt a little left out.  His family didn’t have much, and he couldn’t afford to buy anyone a gift – not even his best friend, Jude. 

At school, the other children were chatting about what they were giving and receiving: gifts, toys, games and sweets.  James kept quiet. What could he give that would matter?

One chilly afternoon, he was waiting for his Mum to collect him from school.  He thought for a moment and then whispered to himself, “I don’t have much, but I want to give something.”

 He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a wrinkled piece of paper.  It was a poem he had written – about kindness, about hope and about how love is the best gift of all.  He thought about the Lord Jesus Christ coming into the world to provide the greatest gift of all: salvation through His death on the cross for sinners. 

The next morning, the principal of the school found the note and read it during the Christmas school assembly. “Someone left a beautiful message, in the school reception” he said, his voice warm. “It reminds me of what the Scriptures say in 2 Corinthians 9:15 ‘Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.’”

He looked out at the children before him. “The best gifts aren’t the biggest or the most expensive.  They’re the ones given from the heart.” The greatest gift of all has been shown by what God has done for us in sending His Son to die on the cross for our sins.  1 Peter 2:24 says “Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree.” 

James felt his cheeks glow warm.  Jude leaned over and smiled.  “That was from you, wasn’t it?” James shrugged, but his heart was full. That Christmas, his gift was a poem to highlight the most important gift of all.

When we hear the word “gift”, we usually think of something wrapped in paper, tied with a ribbon, or placed under a tree. But the greatest gift the world has ever received is not something we can hold or unwrap—it is the gift of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Luke 2:7 says, “And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger,”

Some may think they don’t need the gift of salvation, but the Scriptures state the reason the Lord Jesus Christ had to come and die for our sins is because we are sinners, and our sins have separated us from God and will keep us out of Heaven if they are not forgiven.  God displayed His love for us all by sending His sinless Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, into this world to provide salvation for all by His death on the cross.  

John 3:36 shows us God’s simple way of salvation: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.” Please remember if you do not receive Him, the Bible says you will perish.  Romans 6:23 tells us “For the wages of sin is death: but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” John 3:16 declares, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life.” This is the heart of the Gospel: God’s love gives us a gift we could never have earned, and through His gift, we can receive forgiveness, hope, and eternal life.

Unlike earthly gifts, this gift is for everyone. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve done—the Lord Jesus Christ came to offer salvation for all.  As Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

At Christmas, we celebrate more than a birth—we celebrate the arrival of God’s perfect gift, who on the cross, would provide the gift of everlasting life for everyone.  This is the most needed gift of all, and by repenting and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, we can be sure of everlasting life and a home in Heaven.  Acts 20:21 says “Repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Make sure that, if you haven’t already received the gift of salvation, you receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour today.  As the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 6:2 “Behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of SALVATION”.  

By John Rogers

(All references are from the Bible)