“The gift that keeps on giving” is a catchy phrase used to describe everything from gift and credit cards to donations for charitable causes. It simply means that once the gift is given and received, the benefits continue long after the time of giving.
Genesis to Revelation, our Christian Bible tells of a living Gift given to pay the sin-debt incurred when humankind rebelled against God—a debt that could not otherwise be paid. Jesus is that Gift. He came freely and willingly, sent from Father God’s heart of tenderness, lovingkindness and mercy.
Sacrifice is inherent in costly gifts. Many save money throughout the year so that at Christmas time, we can purchase gifts for those we love. And even though the reason for giving Christmas gifts has become somewhat blurred in our “give me” culture, there is still some sense of sacrifice and joy in the exchange. The giving of gifts has strong roots in American culture, but is a tradition also celebrated throughout the world, among both Christians and non-Christians.
Christmas is an annual celebration that marks and honors the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Whether the centuries-old foundation of Christmas is acknowledged or not, when we give gifts to each other, it’s a reminder of the valuable gifts brought to the baby Jesus by the wise men: Gold: a valuable metal signifying that Jesus is King. Frankincense: when burned, this sweet smelling resin produces white smoke symbolizing prayers ascending to heaven. It also symbolizes the sacrifice of Jesus and His priestly role.
Myrrh: an aromatic herb used medicinally to treat severe joint and muscle pain. This gift symbolizes human frailty being healed and restored by the Great Physician.
Above all else, we give gifts to celebrate the giving of the greatest Gift of all time: Jesus—born fully human; Jesus—living a fully human but sinless life; Jesus— going to the Cross fully human, in order to restore to humanity everything that sin has destroyed. In the celebrations, family gatherings and gifts exchanges, let’s each find some quiet moments to receive and be thankful for the greatest Gift ever given. As we “open” this priceless gift of salvation, we immediately receive: New and eternal life Complete cleansing from sin “Unwrapping” the gift through a lifetime of learning and growing in our relationship with Jesus, we receive: Power to live victoriously on a sin-contaminated planet, surrounded on the outside by the poison of evil; flooded on the inside with God’s infinite love-power Overflowing, abundant hope to share with a hopeless, terror filled world Boldness to share our Gift with others The confident realization that we are eternally, inseparably conjoined with Jesus We honor God and benefit from this beautiful celebration by keeping our focus on what the Christmas season is really about—giving, receiving and sharing the Gift Who never stops giving!
(Luke 2:7-12; Philippians 2:8-11) “… the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid…I bring good news of great joy…for to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord! This is how you will recognize Him: you will find a Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And after He had appeared in human form… He carried His obedience to the extreme of death on the cross! Therefore, God has…freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee must bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth…” Your year-end financial gift to Infinite Grace Ministries reduces your tax liability while providing hope and healing to many. Call 580-774-2884 or mail your tax-deductible donation to PO Box 466, Weatherford, OK 73096; postmarked by December 31.
Dixie Yoder
