Down through the centuries Christmas has motivated and inspired countless men and women to follow the train of the Wise Men and caused them to lay their most precious gifts and treasures at the feet of Christ the Savior and King.

Great music has been offered as a precious gift to the Savior born on Christmas Day. Christmas carols and spiritual songs of worship have pointed to the Prince of Peace and baby of Bethlehem. Handel’s “The Messiah” has enraptured millions concerning the coming Messiah. Down through history great literature has been inspired by the real Star of Christmas. Hundreds of poems are continually pouring forth from hearts in praise for the One for whom Christmas was named. “On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity,” an ode by John Milton is one of the greatest poems concerning the first Christmas night.

Can you imagine what it would be like if there was no Christmas? There would be no ‘Happy Holidays”. Instead of singing about a “Winter Wonderland” there would be nothing but a dark, frozen wasteland. Perhaps like in C. S. Lewis’ allegory “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”. But over 2000 years ago the Daystar broke upon us and became one of us to give His creation the greatest Christmas gift that He could give. (Luke 1:78-79; Isaiah 60:1, 3)

Christmas is the gift of hope. The hope of ancient Israel centered on the coming Messiah who would bring redemption and peace to His people. Satan has tried many times to extinguish that light and destroy God’s gift but he could not. (John 1:1-12) When Israel’s enemies hired the seer Balaam to curse them, He prophesied, “I shall see Him but not now; I shall behold Him but not nigh; there shall come a star out of Jacob and a scepter shall rise out of Israel” (Numbers 24:17). Later Isaiah prophesied, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light . . . For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given . . . And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:2-7). Micah clearly revealed the very birthplace of the Messiah, “But thou, Bethlehem, Ephrathah . . . out of thee shall come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose going forth are from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2).

Actually, the only example in the Christmas story of the giving of material gifts is that of the Wise Men who presented gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They spoke of Jesus Christ’s deity as the Son of God, His priesthood as our mediator and the One worthy of worship, and His death as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world.

What is the greatest Christmas gift? God’s Son. I came across this interpretation of John 3:16 a few years ago:

“God – the greatest LOVER
So loved – the greatest DEGREE
The world – the greatest COMPANY
That He gave – the greatest ACT
His only begotten Son – the greatest GIFT
That whosoever – the greatest OPPORTUNITY
Believeth – the greatest SIMPLICITY
In Him – the greatest ATTRACTION
Should not perish – the greatest PROMISE
But have – the greatest CERTAINTY
Eternal life – the greatest POSSESSION.”

God gave the greatest gift – His Son – to die on the cross for our sins. Paul wrote to the Romans, “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all. How shall He not also with Him freely give us all things?” He then told the Corinthians how precious that gift is, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that thought he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (II Corinthians 8:9). (Philippians 2:5-11)

We express Christmas when we give in love and sacrificial service. Let us, like the Wise Men, kneel before Christ and give our worship, our thanks, our allegiance, our heart, and our life.

Have you received the greatest gift of all – God’s Son, Jesus Christ? Do so by faith and have a truly Merry Christmas.