THE PERFECT GIFT
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:10, ESV
Theme: Jesus came to earth to die for my sins, because God loves me.
FIRST TO THE DRAW
When you’re first making your Christmas list (and checking it twice), you think of friends and family for whom you wish to buy presents. You think of their wants and needs, and you usually jot down a few ideas. (Or, let’s face it, you go ahead and place the order online and get it shipped to you early.) But as the season progresses, there are unexpected gifts, like the office “Secret Santa” or the coworker you just remembered bought you something last year.
The worst-case scenario is when someone you didn’t remember, or with whom you have never exchanged presents before, shows up on the last day of work with a gift for you! You are caught unprepared and embarrassed, because you didn’t reciprocate. You never thought of them at all! That’s okay! Accept that you are loved and appreciated and be grateful.
“BUT THAT HE LOVED US”
God’s love extended to us first, so He gave the most precious gift He had: His only Son. Not only are we caught unaware, but we have nothing of equal value to reciprocate. In fact, we were “enemies of God.” God’s Gift is so valuable, so unlike any other, that is impossible to match His love or sacrifice. So, all that is left is for us to graciously accept a gift for which we are unprepared...and be thankful. Our response should be love: “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19, ESV).
WHAT CAN YOU GIVE HIM?
For His amazing gift, God does not ask any payment. His offer is free to all, no prerequisites required. But to accept it means to give Him your all: heart, soul, mind, and strength. He desires your heart, the wellspring of emotion. He desires your soul and spirit, the essence of who you are. He desires your mind, your thoughts, your knowledge, and even your doubts. He desires your strength, which will help you remain faithful, in spite of hardships, over the years, and through the trials. He is asking to be Lord and Master, as well as Forever Friend.
Make It Personal: In Les Misérables, Victor Hugo writes this human truth: “You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving.” As you look to Jesus and celebrate this season, what will you give to Him to show Him your love?
Pray: Father, Thank You for the indescribable gift of Your Son. Help me to accept with both gratitude and love the sacrifice You made because of Your love for me. Help me to show You my love in return. Then teach me to show Your love to others and share the Good News of Jesus. Amen.
Read: John 3:16-18; 2 Corinthians 9:15; Romans 5:8-11; James 1:17
Weekly Memory Verse: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14, ESV