Your Best Gifts

Some people love to shop. Ladies may want shoes (a whole closet full of them, with purses to match) or hats. I recently met a lady who had over 250 hats! Other people love new furniture or new appliances. Men may want new tools, and children want more toys. Then there are some of us who just love shopping itself. We are especially excited when we find a great bargain. It might take hours, but it is worth it to find that big discount. When I shop for the ministry, it does not matter if I am looking for printer toners, paper, discounted gift cards, or even cleaning supplies. I just want the best deals. We bargain hunters use coupons, shop the sales, buy at discount stores, and watch for rebates. It is almost a regular routine for me on Saturdays to shop at a store that usually has a coupon for $5 off of $25. There is another store where I sometimes shop that allows you to add up to 4 coupons on the same purchase – even on their clearance items! A recent purchase of a $40 shirt for $4.39 was a pretty good deal! Sometimes with rebates, the deals are even better. And often these bargains become gifts for someone else.

God also gives, but He did not have to search for His gift. There was no discounted gift that would satisfy. Mankind needed a Savior who could pay the penalty for their sins, and there was only one choice that would satisfy, only one choice that would take care of that need. So God sent Jesus, His own Son, to die for us as a sacrifice for our sin (JN 3:16). Jesus willingly came, and it cost Him everything. But what an amazing gift for mankind – “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (RM 6:23). It cost Him everything to give, but it costs us nothing to receive it.

Christmas time is a great time to receive, but it is also a wonderful opportunity to give. What gift would be appropriate for the Creator, for the King of kings? What gift would satisfy the One who needs nothing but gave His all for us? God (through Solomon) said, “My son, give me thine heart (love Him), and let thine eyes observe (obey) my ways” (Proverbs 23:26). Have you received the priceless gift of salvation? Will you give the gifts of love and obedience to our Savior? Those are your best gifts!