We have just come through our annual Thanksgiving holiday. We have all been reminded of the many things we have to be thankful for. We have included the fellowship of church, security of home, love of family, loyalty of friends, strength of health, provision of employment, and a host of other blessings.
We are now approaching the Christmas season. It is hoped that we have a good supply of thankfulness left over. Boys and girls will be encouraged to thank those who give them gifts. Adults will thank one another for the gifts they receive. However, more importantly we need that supply of thankfulness in light of II Corinthians 9:15 which says, "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." The gospel message given to us in the Bible presents Christ as God's gift to the world for man's redemption from sin. There could be no greater gift.
But how can it be mine? God gives us the answer in His Word, the Bible. "But as many as received him [Christ], to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" (John 1:12). "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 3:16). Every gift you receive this Christmas will probably be wrapped in a package. You will receive the gift when you receive the package because the gift is inside the package. The gift of God is eternal life. That life is in His Son, Jesus Christ. You receive the gift when you receive the Son. That is the only way the gift can be yours.
Every gift is paid for (even if on the installment plan), but not by the recipient. You are not asked to pay for, nor work for, the gift of God. It is free to you. But don't ever allow yourself to forget that it cost God His Son and it cost His Son His life! That gift, dear friend, is an unspeakable gift indeed. Would you receive it today? To do so you must receive Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Recognize that you are a sinner (God says so). Admit that you cannot save yourself from sin (God says so). Believe that Christ alone can save you (God says so). Then trust Him to give to you the life that He promised to you if you would but believe on His name. Receive God's unspeakable gift today and rejoice in His forgiveness forever.