CELEBRATING CHRIST – GOD’S GREATEST GIFT

“Thanks be to God for HIS INDESCRIBABLE GIFT” – 2 Corinthians 9:15

Beloved, join me to CELEBRATE CHRIST – the Father’s GREATEST GIFT: ““Thanks be to God for HIS INDESCRIBABLE GIFT” (2 Cor.9:15). There is never a doubt as to what gift it is that evokes this burst of thanksgiving. There is one blazing central Sun which shines out amidst all the galaxy of lights which fill the heavens. There is only one Gift of God which, beyond all others, merits the designation of “unspeakable” or “indescribable”! The Gift of Christ is God’s Best and Greatest Gift: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (Jh.3:16). Jesus Christ is the GIFT that brings all gifts; that draws all other divine gifts after it: “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things” (Rom.8:32).

The juncture in which this abrupt burst of praise stands is very remarkable. Paul had been dwelling on the Christian obligation of giving bountifully and cheerfully, and on the principle that a glad giver is ‘enriched’ and not impoverished thereby, whilst the recipients, for their part, are blessed by having gratitude evoked towards the givers. That contemplation of the blessed interchange of benefit and thanks leads the Apostle to the thoughts of God as the great pattern of giving and how gratitude to Him should fill our souls. God’s Gift of His Son is the expression of His love. His Gift came from unspeakable Love, involved unspeakable sacrifice, and produces unspeakable results.

God pours His love upon us freely, without stint. His Gift is unspeakable in the depths of the Source, in the manner of His manifestation, and in the glory of His display. Our proper response is to receive the eternal Gift of Christ with ‘thanks to God’ and the yielding up of our hearts to Him. In this season of giving and receiving gifts, and the accompanying hustle and bustle, it can be all too easy to overlook this Greatest Gift of all – the very One who birthed and brought the essence of Christmas to us. He is the One who lights our world and brings hope to our days. Thanks to God for His indescribable Gift!

This is one of such times we need to pause, and remember how thankful we ought to be for our Saviour. The Lord Jesus Christ is everything to me. Consider Isaiah’s prophecy: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isa.9:6). When we’re yearning for more than the ordinary, but feel limited or inadequate, He is Wonderful. When we’re troubled, aching or hurting, confused, fearful or lonely, He is our Counselor. When we need to experience a miracle in life or someone to defend us or fight for us, He is our Mighty God. When we need to be reminded that we’re loved and cared for, He is our Everlasting Father – the Father who loves to shower good gifts on His children (Jam.1:17).

When we feel anxious or worried, and need a reminder that our future is secure no matter what swirls around us, He is our Prince of Peace. Christ’s very presence in our lives gives us such great reason to celebrate. Whatever needs you may have today, be assured, our God is the Almighty. Nothing is too difficult for Him to handle. He cares about all that concerns us. However lonely you may feel this season; however deep the losses you might have suffered; whatever fear or despair might have gripped your heart; you can bring it all to Jesus. Bring all of it: the brokenness, the questions, the complications, the complexities, and the pain. Amidst the chaos and busyness of the season, you can find true rest in Him: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Mt.11:28).