The Twenty-fifth Day of Advent
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (New American Standard Version)
What’s the best Christmas gift you ever received? A bike? A car? An engagement ring? News of a coming grandbaby? The word “remission”?
Giving gifts is a big part of Christmas, even though the “Wise Men” brought their gifts to Jesus long after the time of His birth. Rather than carrying on the tradition of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, presenting gifts is a response to God’s sacrificial love in giving us His only Son, Jesus. And Jesus offers a most precious gift—never-ending life with God.
This verse became especially poignant to me this year when my mother died. With both my parents—the people who loved me longest and most selflessly—gone, eternal life means even more than before. It means that though their bodies perished, their souls will live eternally. It means I will see them again! Even better, it means we will all see Jesus.
Have you received God’s most important gift, borne of his enormous love for you?
Susan Spoon
