Christmas Traditions
The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
Probably the most common Christmas tradition of all is the giving of gifts. Whether it is on Christmas Eve, Christmas morning, or at some other time, practically all parents have the custom of giving some type of gifts to their children. And if the extended family meets during the holiday season, some kind of gift-giving will take place. A newer tradition in our family has been to play a game after the family meal is over and the carols are sung. People bring a variety of gifts for various age groups, and as each game is won, a gift is selected.
But gifts quickly become old, wore-out, or lost. Few remain important for very long. Only one gift which we receive truly lasts. It is the gift that our Savior Jesus came to bring us. As the Apostle Paul reminds us here in Romans, God’s gift for you and me is eternal life. God gives us the best gift we could ever receive by sending us the Christ-child. Jesus is the perfect gift for you and for me. It is only through Him can you or I or anyone receive eternal salvation!
Most gifts that we receive in our life are things that we did nothing to earn or deserve. Someone gave us a gift simply because they loved us. They wanted us to have it and wanted to bring us joy. So it is with our salvation. None of us has deserved it. None of us has earned it. It was a gift of God’s love. Our heavenly Father loved us so much that He sent His only Son to be our Savior! (John 3:16) Christ Jesus came to live under the law in our place. He came to suffer and die in our place. Everything that our Savior Jesus did was to earn for you and for me the precious gift of eternal life.
Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I have not deserved the salvation which you earned for all sinners. And so, I thank you for coming to earth and bringing me the wonderful gift of eternal life. Amen.