The Spirit of Giving
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16
In the stillness of the night, a tiny, helpless cry pierced the world's silence with a message of hope. A baby wrapped in swaddling cloth had come to save the world. His name was Jesus. His tiny fingers grasped at His mother’s breast as she snuggled Him in her arms. One day, this tiny yet mighty Son would be tortured, scarred, pierced, and crucified because of His selfless love for the world.
Many of us have spent weeks saving, shopping, and wrapping gifts for our loved ones, but over time, those gifts will become old and tarnished. Contentment will turn back into discontent. Sadly, for some people, the happiness of the holidays will fade back into sadness and loneliness.
May I present to you the gift of hope today, my friend?
The greatest gift of all cannot be found under the Christmas tree. The greatest gift of all is a man named Jesus, who came to seek and save the lost. He never wears out, breaks down, tarnishes, or empties. Jesus is whole, holy, and strong. Jesus heals, forgives, redeems, and loves us immensely. What a gift we have in Him!
Jesus offers everyone a gift that we need only accept by faith. When we accept His gift of salvation, we become new creations. Jesus lives in us, enabling and empowering us with Himself so that we can share faith, hope, and love with others. God fills us with an overflowing love that allows us to take His love into the world.
The greatest gift we can give others this Christmas season is sharing our experiences of Jesus. How has God impacted your life? How has He transformed you? God has given you your testimony to share as a gift with others. We must not leave our testimonies unopened; instead, we should share them so that others can find and receive the same hope we have discovered.
Jesus is hope. He is peace. He is constant, never changing, slow to anger, loving, compassionate, merciful, and gracious. He is a miracle worker, a problem solver, and the light in the darkness.
Who in your life needs the gift of hope this season? Now is the time to share the greatest gift.