The Greatest Gift of All

During this time of year, there is a buzz all around. There is hustle and bustle and there seems to be a different feeling in the air. It’s Christmas. It’s the holiday season. A season of joy and laughter. It is a season of good times to be had by all, for many this joyous feeling in the air begins before December. It happens right before Thanksgiving. Christmas is a beautiful season. Children are writing letters to Santa. Parents spend many of their days buying gifts making their children’s wishes come true. Big meals are being planned. Flights and other travel arrangements are being made. The post office is overloaded with customers standing in line to mail off packages and Christmas cards to all their friends and family. But also, during this time of year of joy and laughter, some are feeling sadness. Maybe because they are missing a loved one who is no longer here with them. Or maybe they are experiencing some hard times, and they are struggling to make ends meet. Finding it hard to make their children’s wishes for Santa come true. No matter what your feelings are during this holiday season, you must never forget the true reason for the season. No matter what you are going through or experiencing this holiday season, we must never forget the greatest gift of all. The gift of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The birth of Jesus is the greatest gift of all.

Many of you know how the story goes. A virgin was selected to be the mother of Jesus. An angel visited her. It was the angel, Gabriel. Luke 1:26-38 tells us of that encounter.

²⁶Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, ²⁷to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

²⁹ But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying and considered what manner of greeting this was. ³⁰ Then the angel said to her “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ³⁰ And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son and shall call His name JESUS. ³² He will be great and will be called the Son the Highest, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His Father David. ³³ And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom, there will be no end.”

³⁴ Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be since I do not know a man?” ³⁵ And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the highest will overshadow you; therefore, also that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. ³⁶ Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. ³⁷ For with God nothing will be impossible.” ³⁸ Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

First, what a blessing it is to be chosen by God for such a moment as this. I wonder how many would have been taken aback at first as Mary was but then would have agreed wholeheartedly to what was being asked of her as she did. How many would have done it willingly without hesitation? How many would have asked many more questions than Mary did? Well, only you can answer those questions. But I think if we were all being honest many of us would have been much more hesitant than Mary and probably would not have even realized the importance of such a gift as that of being the mother of Jesus. A mother to a Savior who was being born to save us all.

Second, it seems we live in a time in which Christmas has become more materialistic instead of spreading the joy and love of our Savior. It is more about what gift we are going to be getting on Christmas morning. It is more about what parties we are going to be attending and what outfits we are going to wear. It is more about decorating the tree. It also seems that children are not being taught the true meaning of Christmas. They think it is all about the gifts and eating a big meal with friends and family. It is as if it is all about building those types of Christmas traditions. The point is that that is not what Christmas is all about. And more importantly, Christmas should be celebrated all year long not just during December or just on one day of the year. We should be spreading joy, love, and happiness all year long. We should be spreading the gift of our Savior everywhere we go as one would say twenty-four-seven.

Christmas is not about the gifts under the tree. It is not about making lists for Santa, a man in a red suit who rides around in a sleigh driven by reindeer. It is not about Christmas Cards and potlucks and such. It’s not about buying a Christmas tree and hanging stockings by the fireplace. It is about the birth of Christ. It is about the one that came to save us all. It is about the blood that was shed on the cross for you and me. It is about the greatest gift ever given. Our Heavenly Father gave His only son for you and me. Christmas is about love. The love God has for us. His son was born just for us. The birth of a Savior. That is Christmas. And it should be celebrated every day. We should be giving thanks for this wonderful gift every day of our lives. He should be celebrated every day. God’s love for us is not only one day out of the year. His love is never-ending. It is continuous. It is infinite. So why don’t we reciprocate that love all through the year and not just on Christmas Day?

I want to encourage you today. As you are gathering with your families this Christmas season. Taking time to share those deliciously prepared meals. While you and your loved ones are opening the Christmas presents under the tree. You are full of smiles and joy and laughter. During the middle of all your wonderful time together. Just stop and take a moment and say a prayer for those less fortunate than you, who may not be able to enjoy a deliciously prepared meal. Or they may not have anywhere to lay their head on Christmas Day. Say a prayer for those who may have recently lost a loved one. Say a prayer for their strength to make it through the holiday reminding them that God is with them and asking Him to shower them with His love, peace, and comfort, knowing they are not alone. While you are in this moment, take the time to share what you are thankful for this holiday season while also sharing the true meaning of Christmas. Share the story of Jesus’ birth. The birth of a Savior, the birth of a King. The true reason for the season. The greatest gift of all.