“Well, in that case,” he said, “This is the most wonderful gift that I have ever received!”

Christmas is the time we remember and rejoice in the awesome love of God. Christ emptied himself of the glories of heaven and came to earth to take upon himself human flesh. In a stable in Bethlehem was God’s greatest gift. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

The world little realized the indescribable gift snuggled in Mary’s bosom, wrapped in God’s grace and mercy. “Thank God for his Son – a gift too wonderful for words!” (See II Corinthians 9:15 NLT.)

In the mid nineteenth century, Tea was a very expensive staple. George Gilman and George Hartford came up with a simple plan to buy direct from ships, lower prices and sell high volume. They made a fortune and turned their mail order business into a chain of stores called the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company – A & P.

Hartford generously gave millions of dollars to charities and churches. He donated stock to a foundation whereby a portion of every dollar earned would be “donated”. In many ways he gave a gift that is still giving his fortune away.

God gave an indescribable gift that is still giving. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Over two thousand years ago Wise Men followed a star from the east in search of the newborn king. They came bearing gifts. But what can you give a king who has everything? What gift do you bring to Christ, the Prince of Peace, Mighty God? (See Isaiah 9:6.)

When the Wise Men found the Christ Child, they knelt and worshipped Him. (See Matthew 2:11.) They worshipped Him because Jesus is God incarnate – Emmanuel – God with us. (See Matthew 1:23.) Have you bowed your knee in worship and submission to Christ the Lord? (See Romans 10:9, 10.)

“And when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).

Gold is a gift for a king. It speaks of the deity of Christ. He is more precious than gold because He gave His life as a ransom for our sin. “For as much as you . . . were not redeemed with . . . silver and gold . . . but with the precious blood of Christ” (I Peter 1:18, 19). Christ, though He was rich, “for your sake became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (II Corinthians 8:9).

The priest used frankincense during worship in the temple. Let all the world worship Him. Jesus is our high – priest. “Wherefore He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrew 7:25, 26).

The costly myrrh was used to prepare dead bodies for the grave. Jesus came to die for the sins of the world. “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners . . . For since we were restored to friendship with God by the death of His Son . . . we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by His life” (Romans 5:8-11 NLT).

The Wise Men not only gave gifts to Christ, they received a gift – the gift of life. The scriptures tell us that when they left, that “they departed into their own country another way.” When you come to Christ in reverence, repentance, and faith, your life is forever changed.

What gift can you give Christ as you begin a new year?

“What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd,
I would give Him a lamb.
If I were a wise man,
I would do my part,
But what can I give Him –
I give Him my heart.”
(by Christina G. Rosetti)

Have you received the gift that keeps on giving? He is Jesus Christ the Lord. Call on Him today and give Him your heart.

“But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn” (John 1:12, 13 NLT).