What’s the best Christmas present you’ve ever received? When I was a kid, I received two G.I. Joe tanks and the Star Wars Millennium Falcon in the same year! What’s the worst Christmas present you’ve ever received? I once received a $100 savings bond and a boy cabbage patch doll…really! For one, boys don’t play with dolls. They are called action figures. Second, I’ve never received that $100. We have all received gifts we’ve wanted and didn’t want. We’ve also received gifts we needed. I remember receiving socks and clothes for Christmas from my relatives – needed items, even if I didn’t necessarily want them. Clothing – gifts as a kid I would never have given myself. I’ll never forget my parents looking at me and saying, “Now what do you say to your Aunt?” “Thank you”, I sheepishly said. Those gifts of clothing were taken for granted every time I put them on, but they just kept on giving even if I wasn’t truly grateful.

God displayed his great love for us when He gave us what we really needed and could not get on our own. 1 John 4:9 says, “God showed us how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.” Jesus is the perfect gift we need in any season. He is the gift that is Christmas. I pray every gift you receive this Christmas points you to being truly grateful for the gift of Jesus, the true meaning of Christmas.

Question: Have you thanked God for his gift of Jesus lately? Have you taken for granted the gift you so desperately needed and could not give yourself?

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stephenrharrison

Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.