Submitted by Sister Barbara Caldwell

Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church

Pastor Kevin McNeil

THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL

We live in a world full of holidays and celebrations (i.e. birthdays, weddings, Christmas, etc.), where gifts are given and exchanged.  Yet every gift we give or receive eventually fades, breaks or loses its shine.  But there is one gift that never fades, never breaks, and never loses its power – the gift of Jesus Christ.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.   John 3:16

The greatest gift begins with the greatest love.  It was not humanity reaching up to God, but God reaching down to us.  Love moved God to give, and that love was not selective because it was for everyone in the world.  God’s love is boundless and unconditional. 

God did not give us gold, silver, or an angel.  He gave us His very best – His only Son.  What a gift, indeed!  Jesus came not to condemn the world but to save it (John 3:17).  He left heaven to walk among us, to heal, to teach, and to bear our sins on the cross.  This was not a gift wrapped in paper but in flesh; a Savior wrapped in humanity.

Every earthly gift fades with time.  But the gift of Jesus brings eternal life, forgiveness now, peace today, and a forever home with God. This is the gift that keeps giving – hope in despair, light in darkness, and life in death,

The greatest gift of all is not found under a tree but was on a tree – the cross.  And today, that gift is still being offered.  Receive the gift!

Wishing all a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Barbara Caldwell