Inspirational Insights with Pastor Theo Snyman
TRADITIONALLY, Christmas is a time for giving and receiving of gifts.
Some gifts are valuable and useful, while others… well, are not so valuable and useful! Most enjoy the excitement of exposing the contents of a beautifully wrapped parcel.
The evaluation of the gift is often determined by its cost. A genuine Swiss watch for instance, is far more valuable than one with a miss-spelt name purchased from a street vender.
The Lord has given us a gift that surpasses any gift that anyone could give. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The gift of God is eternal life!
In our consideration of the value of this gift, we need to determine what cost there was to the Giver. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son”… (John 3:16), who in turn gave “His life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). The cost of this gift is incalculable!
The quality of this gift is immeasurable, for “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). This incredible gift will last for all eternity.
It seems unreasonable that people will refuse such a gift as this… yet, billions have! The gift is wrapped up in the Son; by receiving Him we receive the gift. “To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
May this Christmas season be filled with family and friends. May many gifts be found under your Christmas tree… but, please do not forget the Greatest Gift of all!
Quotations from New International Version