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Have you ever wondered about the tradition of giving gifts at Christmas? Could it be that this delightful tradition came about in remembrance of the most special gift that God gave to all mankind that first Christmas when Jesus appeared as a babe in the manger? In the Bible, we are encouraged to give thanks to God for His “unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15). This unspeakable (too wonderful to explain) gift is Jesus. John 3:16 tells us about this gift from God: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

John 3:36 declares the results of not accepting God’s gift. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” If something is a gift, do we have to work to pay for it? Ephesians 2:8-9 indicates that we do not have to work in order to receive God’s gift to us: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Titus 3:5 confirms that God’s gift is freely given because of Christ’s sacrifice, and it is not something we have to work to obtain. It says, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us…”

Why can’t we work our own way to heaven? The reason is found in Romans 3:23, which says: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:10 backs this up: “There is none righteous, no, not one.”

If we can work our own way to heaven, Christ’s death on the cross was unnecessary. How can He be our Savior, if we can save ourselves? Galatians 5:4 says to any who try to earn salvation: “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” How can God’s gift to us be considered so remarkable and precious if salvation is dependent upon something that we can do ourselves?

John 14:6 says, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” According to Acts 4:12, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

If Christ is the only name whereby we must be saved, what about prophets? Hebrews 1:1-2 teaches: “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds.” When a repentant sinner asked, “…what must I do to be saved?” the answer was given: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…” (Acts 16:30-31).

If someone tries to give you a gift and you refuse to take it, is it yours? No! of course not! And that is the way it is with the Greatest Gift ever offered. If we never receive Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, we do not have the benefit of the salvation He offers. Without Christ, we are lost for eternity. 1 John 3:12 leaves no room for doubt: “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” John 1:12 says, “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power [the right] to become the sons of God…”

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy all your gifts, but I pray that you have or will accept the greatest gift of all, our Christmas gift from God Himself.

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