Think of the best gift you’ve ever received … what was it? What was so awesome about it .. how bad you wanted it, or how much you weren’t expecting it? What did you do with it .. use it for yourself, or share it? Do you still use it today? If you could ask for anything in the world right now, what would it be?

The world is so wrapped up in STUFF: getting it, getting more of it, and getting the best of it. Why? Next season, xBox will have yet another $200+ gotta-have adapter. Apple will come out with another i-Something. We are, as Solomon says, chasing after the wind.

People associate Christmas with gifts, but all to often we forget that it is a time to remember the greatest gift the world has ever received: Eternal salvation, sent in the form of a newborn baby boy. Fully human, so that we could learn from Him and follow Him. Fully God, so that He could later take on the sin of the world, and be the Lord's only, perfect, sinless sacrifice.

God's gift to us in Jesus Christ serves two amazing purposes. First, we are able to have a personal relationship with Him in this life. Jesus' example shows us how to "do" life, how to be a better father/mother, son/daughter, brother/sister, friend, teammate, coach. Second, we are PROMISED to spend eternity with Him forever in the next life. Like any gift, though, we must receive it and use it in order to reap its benefits. If you're a Christian, you've already unwrapped this gift. If you aren't, you won't find a better gift under your tree this year.

And as far as gifts go, what are some qualities that make this One so great? It's FREE - Romans 6:23 says, ".. the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." No hidden charges or fees. It's AVAILABLE - it is not God's will that anyone should perish, so this gift is never "out of stock". It's UNIQUE - God's plan of salvation for YOUR life is specific to YOU. It's DURABLE - won't break, fade, leak, or chip! Romans 8:38-39 confirms: nothing "..in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." So don't worry about a warranty .. you won't need it. It's TIMELESS - Lamentations 3:22-23 (written 2500 years ago) says the Lord's "compassions never fail. They are new every morning". It's MEANT TO BE SHARED - contrary to the notion that gifts are better when we have them all to ourselves, this gift actually brings its possessor GREATER JOY when it's shared with others.

This season, cherish this most amazing Gift. Send up praises of joy and thanks to our Almighty Giver. And share it .. wherever you can, however you can, with as many as you can.

To God be the glory.