The Perfect Gift

John 3:16-18 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone

who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the

world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not

condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not

believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

Luke 15: 18-20 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned

against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one

of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way

off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms

around him and kissed him.

Christmas is a season of anticipation, gatherings and reunions. It’s also when we search for the

perfect gift for someone we love. What will that something be? It has to be just right, and

communicate how much we love that person. And then, there it is… just the thing. It is carefully

wrapped and placed under the tree, just waiting to be opened. It is so gratifying when we get to

watch as the gift is unwrapped, and to see the joy and happiness we have given to someone.

But what would happen if that gift was put aside and never opened?

We never get to see their reaction or hear how they love it and will use it. They never use this

thing that is just so right for them. It would certainly hurt our feelings, if not break our hearts. At

any rate, we would likely just have to accept their choice and move on.

There is a gift that is available to everyone, not only this Christmas but every moment of every

day, and frankly is the reason for the Christmas season. It is the gift of salvation, redemption

and eternal life in Christ. The perfect gift for someone He loves, meaning you. He is the way, the

truth and the life, just waiting for you to accept His gift and follow Him. For some people this gift

has been sitting on the sidelines and ignored, still wrapped and gathering dust. But it remains

perfect and ready for immediate use, it never spoils or becomes outdated. Even if it’s late in the

game of life, it’s never too late to accept the gift Jesus has for us. He won’t move on as long as

we live.

The prodigal son learned this the hard way, after rejecting his father and squandering the gift of

his inheritance. After experiencing a terrible life after all that he had rejected, he humbly

returned to his father, hoping for at least a tiny portion of his love. Instead, his father saw him

from afar and ran joyfully to greet and embrace him, celebrating his return with a party and

feast. Jesus is always scanning the horizon for every one of us who have not yet opened His gift

to us.

The presence of Christ is the best present of all. Are you ready to pick up that gift and open it? If

you have done this already, is there someone you can encourage to do so? Do it today. Jesus is

waiting with arms wide open.

Janet Schultz