The Greatest Gift Of All

“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

This coming Friday will mark the annual observance of Christmas. December 25^th has been set aside for us to remember the birth of Jesus. It is a shame that this holiday has been marred by consumerism. It seems strange that we celebrate a birthday and everyone receives a gift but Him. In fact, it is even more strange that everyone is invited to celebrate His birth --- except Him. For most Americans, they are glad to celebrate Christmas … just leave out the part about Jesus' birth.

Believe it or not, Christmas is really about a gift that was given for you and me. It is not a gift that is wrapped and placed under your Christmas tree. Instead, this gift was wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed in a manager in a little town called Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago.

Jesus spoke about this gift in the most famous verse of the Bible, John 3:16. Jesus said, “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.” Notice three things about this gift:

1. A GIFT OF HIS LOVE

First of all, it is a gift of love. Jesus said, “For God so loved the world...” The reason that this gift was given was because of love. God loved you so much that He gave a special gift just for you. Usually, when a person loves you, that love is sometimes expressed through a gift. That is certainly the case with the gift that Jesus refers to in this verse.

2. A GIFT FROM THE LORD

Secondly, it is gift from the Lord. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave...” A gift is meaningful to us if it comes from a special source. It is awesome to realize that God Himself gave a gift for you.

Furthermore, God's gift was an extravagant gift. God did not provide you with a cheap gift. He provided you with the most expensive gift that's ever been provided. He gave His own Son, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.” His gift is an amazing gift, the value of which cannot be estimated. You will never receive a more expensive gift than this one.

3. A GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE

Finally, we realize the purpose behind this gift. God loves you so much that He gave His Son, “... that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” What better gift can be given than life itself? This is not only the most expensive gift you can receive, it is the most needed gift. Apart from this gift, you and I would be doomed for eternity because of sin. We would perish in our sins and receive the penalty we richly deserve. But God did for us what we could not do for ourselves. He intervened in our situation and paid the debt we could not pay. He gave His Son, Jesus, to pay for our sins. Through repentance and faith, we receive eternal life through Jesus Christ. What a gift!!

Yet a gift is only beneficial if you receive it. You must receive, by faith, the gift of eternal life by receiving Jesus Himself. The Bible says, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” Too many people treat salvation as a “get-out-of-hell free” pass. That is wrong. When we repent and believe the Gospel, we actually receive Jesus Himself.

You see, Jesus is not just the way to eternal life, He IS eternal life. Jesus Himself said, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

Have you received this gift? If not, make this moment you do so. Take the time to get alone with God. Repent of your sins. Trust Jesus alone to save you. Surrender your life to Him right now. Christmas has a completely different meaning to you once your receive the gift of eternal life.

If you have received this gift, let me encourage you to share the Gospel message with others. There are family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors and even strangers who need the Lord. Share the greatest gift with those who need Him most.

Jesus Christ is the greatest gift of all!!!