Each Christmas most of us find ourselves at a gathering where they play a game called, "Dirty Santa" or give "White Elephant" gifts. You know the rules. Bring a gift, usually something you really don't want, that is ready for a yard sale or Goodwill. Put it in some deceptive wrapping. Everyone picks a number to select gifts, hoping for the highest number so they can have the pick of all the previously-opened stuff. Rules vary as to how often one can steal someone else's present. Regardless of the rules, the outcome is the same as we see the greedy nature of people show itself in a fun sort of way.
Whether it is the giving of a gift for fun in a
Dirty Santa game or meticulously looking for that perfect gift for a loved one, gifts are an important part of this season. As we focus on gifts at Christmastime, we must realize the greatest gift exchange occurred that first Christmas day. God in flesh, Immanuel, came to walk among us. His mission was to give his life as a payment for our sins and transgressions. Out of his love for us he paid the penalty for our sins. By his death and resurrection he has exchanged our condemnation onto himself and given us eternal life instead of eternal judgement. What a gift!
This gift is for all men. No one can steal it and God doesn't want it back. He
does want us to share this gift of forgiveness and eternal life with others. As we share our physical gifts this season, let's remember to share the ultimate gift of God's love to those who need Him.
See you Sunday,
Pastor Jeff
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