The Gift that Keeps on Giving

December 17, 2009 The Gift that Keeps on Giving     Paul ends a discussion on giving, generosity, and sacrificing for others by declaring in 2 Corinthians 9:15, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”  For Paul, giving, generosity, and the ability to offer up ourselves for others comes through being filled with joy and thanksgiving for what God has given us.  God’s gift, which is the promise of eternity with Him as well as the promise of peace and hope through everything that occurs in this life, was made possible through the giving of His Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ into death.  While the author of Hebrews declares that Christ only had to offer Himself once as a sacrifice, it is a gift whose effect will last for eternity.  Jesus Christ was, and is, the gift that keeps on giving.     I want you to remember that fact as we once again approach Christmas and celebrate God’s gift to this world: the Word of God made flesh to dwell among us.  This gift, more than anything else in all creation, is the one that keeps pouring out the gifts of mercy, forgiveness, healing, and hope into a world so desperate for them.  On a silent, calm night, just over 2,000 years ago, God entered into this world through a baby placed in a manger.  This gift was prophesied for centuries, announced by angels, and is joyfully embraced by all whose name is written in God’s book of life.        It shocks me that this is not the gift that is placed on many wish-lists (though I suppose “world peace” could qualify, since only when Jesus Christ reigns in His full power and glory will there be total and universal peace).  Yet it is the one gift we all need.  Indeed, it is the only gift we all need.  It is amazing, and a bit shaming, that I have never been completely satisfied with any physical gift.  Yet Jesus Christ is the gift that satisfies more and more in this life, and will overflow our cup in eternity.       My prayer for all of you is that the gift of Jesus Christ is poured into your life this month.  I pray that your stress level goes down and your level of joy rises when you focus on Christ over and above all the other madness that has foolishly been added to Christmas.  Embrace with great joy the gift that keeps on giving, my friends.  May God also give you the joy of sharing the gift of Christ with others this holiday season.        May you sing in your heart with the heavenly host of angels, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests. Merry Christmas