When we think about Christmas, we often think of gifts—tangible goods wrapped up in festive paper and shiny bows. We enjoy picking out the special somethings that will light up the faces of those we love, and we anticipate receiving gifts from our friends and family.
Sometimes we even get so caught up in the Christmastime hype that we lose sight of the first gift we were ever given: Jesus Christ, the gift from our Father in heaven. The first Christmas marked the moment when God fulfilled his promise and sent us his Son, the Baby King who would teach us to love as God loves and free us from the chains of our sin. This moment—the birth of Christ—gives us reason to celebrate like never before. Worship loudly, worship with the gifts God has given you, and worship so fully that others around you see your joy and realize the incredible gift you have in being a forgiven child of God.
Does Jesus come with fancy paper and shiny ribbons? No. But who needs that when we have joy in our heart, peace in our soul, hope for the future, and eternal life in heaven? Jesus Christ is our Christmas gift from God—a gift to be worshiped and a gift to be shared with everyone in our lives. “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15 ESV).
Father, we worship you. We worship you for who you are and for how you loved us so much that you sent your Son to die for us. Thank you for the gift you’ve given us in Jesus, and help us to share the gift of life through Christ with those around us so all may come to know you. Amen.
[This post was written a few years ago for use during our church’s Advent wreath lighting, to accompany the Advent Conspiracy sermon series. More information on the Advent Conspiracy can be found HERE.]
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