A matchless Gift

by: Carole L. Haines

^{Whatever we do, the fact that it comes through a flawed human makes it a flawed motive to one degree or another. Does that mean we shouldn’t do things? By no means. We should learn to express our thoughts and feelings to others, especially those we love. To not do so is hurtful and neglectful. But words without action can feel meaningless to us. The story of Christmas is God’s great gift of love to this fallen world. His Word tells us:}

 ^{“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:16-17 NASB)}

^{I grew up hearing this verse called, “the Gospel in a nutshell.” Yet its prevalence, makes it no less meaningful. When I let it melt down to its most basic parts, here is the beauty of its simplicity:}

^{God loved- everyone}

^{God gave-His most beloved Son}

^{God invites everyone to come and believe.}

^{God sees our need for a savior. He sees our need for a rescuer. He sent His son, not by force, but in love. Jesus says of Himself, “}

 ^{“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep… I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.. For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it back.  No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it back”
John 10:11, 14, 17-18 NASB)}

^{Jesus knew we would cost His life, yet He created us anyway. Now that is a love so profound, a love beyond searching out. Let us marvel at the manger this year, worshipping our Savior with the deepest of gratitude and love for His priceless gift. Let us Worship our Father in thanksgiving for such a matchless gift Thank you Jesus, for freely giving yourself. We lift our lives to You, Dear Savior as a free offering to You this Season and all the rest of our lives.}