For many families, Christmas becomes a multi-day marathon of celebrations, family visits, and gift exchange. Not all gifts are given on Christmas. It was many days after the birth of Christ that wise men from the east arrived bearing gifts. Matthew 2:11 records the scene,
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
At the birth of Christ, the Heavenly Father made the supreme gift to man. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16). And, in the days after the birth of Christ, men responded by bringing their gifts to the Lord. A.W. Tozer said that “God is always previous.” Indeed, He always goes first! “We love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
Christ was Heaven’s gift to earth. What a sad reality that today there is so little response from the recipients. The gifts of the wise men were intentional and meaningful – they were gifts becoming for the King. (Read more about the significance of the gold, frankincense, and myrrh here.) Jesus is worthy of all!
At Calvary, our Savior gave the “unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15) – He gave Himself! Ephesians 5:2 says it best,
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Johnson Oatman wrote, “Was e’er a gift like the Savior given?
No, not one! no, not one!” Make it personal: Christ “…loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Then realize that His gift calls for our own.
At the end of the earthly life of Christ, true believers were still offering gifts to acknowledge who He was. Ointment from a broken alabaster box. The colt for His presentation in Jerusalem. A large upper room furnished for His use with the disciples. An empty tomb. A hundred pound of spices for his burial.
Yes, Jesus is worthy of the very best we can offer, and so much more. Someday we will see the King ourselves and cast our crowns at His feet (Revelation 4:10). We will enjoy His gifts forever and He will be worshipped by ours.
The season of gift giving is not over! Here are 3 things you should do after Christmas…
- Be sure you have received the free gift of eternal life through Christ (Romans 6:23). John R. Rice said, “You can never truly enjoy Christmas until you can look into the Father’s face and tell him you have received His Christmas gift.” Have you, by faith, taken Christ as your Savior?
- Be ready to relay the message of this gift to others. The greatest news in the world is that the free gift of salvation is available to all. Pass it on! This spiritual truth is better than any material possession. Ask the Lord to use you and then tell someone about Him.
- Be willing to respond to the Giver by giving yourself to Him (Romans 12:1). Let every day be a day given to God. Before your feet touch the floor each morning, stretch yourself out on your bed and make it an altar. Offer your spirit, soul, and body to God with a grateful heart.
The paper and ribbon have now been picked up. Some gifts will be returned and, in a few weeks, most will be forgotten. But God’s gifts are eternal, and anything given back to Him will outlive the passing seasons of life.
Celebrations may be over, but don’t miss the gifts after Christmas!
