The gift that fits everyone

What did you get for Christmas? That’s a common question these days as we bask in the glow of the “big day.” Did you get what you wanted? Was it in your favorite color? Did they get your size right? Sometimes people think they know what we want, what size we wear and what color is our favorite. But they get it wrong. We receive their gift only to be in a return line a few days later. If we can’t exchange it we put in the bottom drawer or take it to a local thrift shop for recycling.

Let me tell you about a gift that fits everyone. It was only a few Christmases ago that a distressed mother who could no longer care for her infant son gave him to a state agency for adoption.

Little did she or anyone else know that within a few weeks the child would be adopted by a wealthy couple in California – a couple whose annual income ranges between $1 million and $1.5 million.

After all requirements had been met and all the necessary documents had been signed, the baby boy of 15 months was declared the legal heir of a fortune which came close to $20,000,000.

“Lucky boy!” At least, we hope that his sudden good fortune will prove to be a blessing in his life. He received a gift that anyone of us could use.

What this wealthy couple did for this helpless infant just two or three Christmases ago, God did for you, me and everyone on the very first Christmas – only in a much higher sense. Through the miracle of the virgin birth, of the baby Jesus, God the Father made it possible for us to be adopted into His family and to be made heirs of eternal treasurers, indescribable and immeasurable.

The Bible tells us that by nature we are not born into this world as God’s children but spiritually dead: “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins…Like the rest, we were, by nature, objects of wrath.” (Eph. 2:1,3)

But it also tells us that on the first Christmas, “when the time had fully come, God sent his son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.” (Gal. 4:4,5,7)

Because of what happened on that first Christmas, the perfect life Jesus lived and the innocent death he offered as payment for everyone’s sin, it’s possible for us to become sons and daughters of God. Now, God says that “whoever believes in him will not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John.3:16) Through faith in Jesus Christ we become adopted members of God’s family. We become heirs of eternal treasures indescribable and immeasurable.

Jesus is God’s gift of a Savior that fits everyone and satisfies our deepest needs. That is the message of Christmas which brings true peace, joy, hope and love no matter what your circumstance. Find a church in our community where that gift is given away freely every Sunday with no conditions or decisions to make. Become part of its ministry so that you can join with like-minded Christians in passing on the GIFT to others.

Remember, with Jesus no exchanges are needed. Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year!